The overnight attacks on January 2 follow recent US military operations that, according to Washington, targeted 35 alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Those strikes brought the total number of people killed to at least 115, according to figures released by the Trump administration. After the overnight strikes, Venezuela declared a state of emergency, reporting a significant escalation in the US administration’s pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro. On Saturday, the country’s interior minister urged citizens to “remain calm” and to trust the political and military high command. Several international leaders condemned the US attack, including officials from Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Iran, denouncing the strikes as violations of international law and acts of state terrorism. They called for emergency action by the United Nations and regional bodies to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, crowds of Venezuelans gathered in the streets of major cities to celebrate the US operation, waving flags and voicing support for a possible change in leadership, as Nicolás Maduro is considered by many to be a dictator.
Keywords for this article
English (US) · 