Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has warned that the United States military operation in Venezuela risks pushing the entire region toward “a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence.” The Saturday strikes that captured President Nicolás Maduro have raised concerns across Latin America about broader destabilization and increased conflict.
Sánchez’s warning reflects fears that unilateral military action could trigger a cascade of consequences beyond Venezuela’s borders, including refugee flows, economic disruption, and potential conflicts between nations with different positions on the intervention. Colombia has already mobilized its armed forces in response to anticipated refugee movements.
The Spanish leader emphasized that while his government never recognized Maduro’s regime as legitimate, neither will it endorse interventions that violate international law and create regional instability. He called for all actors to respect the UN Charter and work toward dialogue-based solutions that prioritize civilian welfare.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face drug trafficking charges in New York, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming the charges relate to narcotics operations. President Trump stated the couple is currently aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution.
The international community has responded with widespread condemnation, with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of dangerous precedents for international relations. Major powers including China, Russia, and France have criticized the operation, while Latin American responses have divided along ideological lines with right-wing governments offering support and leftist administrations joining in condemnation.