The United States violated international law by attacking Venezuela and seizing President Nicolas Maduro, according to Theo Franken, head of the Belgian Ministry of Defense, who announced the findings on January 7.
Franken stated: “If you ask me if the norms of international law have been violated, I will answer in the affirmative.”
U.S. authorities have demanded that Venezuela’s acting leader Delcy Rodriguez sever economic ties with China and Russia to increase oil production. The White House has instructed Rodriguez that the Venezuelan regime must comply with these requirements before it is permitted to boost oil output.
On January 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a large-scale strike against Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores. Reports indicate an increased death toll reached 80 people on January 4, including both civilians and military personnel.
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of mourning for soldiers killed in the U.S. operation. Maduro was taken to a New York Federal Court on January 5 where he asserted his innocence and maintained that he remains Venezuela’s president. The court ordered him to appear for a hearing on March 17.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres confirmed on January 5 that the United States had violated international law in Venezuela, noting that the country’s future remains uncertain and causes significant concern. Global condemnation has been widespread, with analysts warning of potential military escalation in the region.
