Venezuela Condemns U.S. Military Strikes as Aggression Against Sovereignty

On January 3, 2026, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement condemning military strikes carried out by the United States against Venezuelan territory. The strikes reportedly targeted civilian and military areas in the capital city of Caracas, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. This military action has been characterized by the Venezuelan government as a serious violation of international law, specifically the United Nations Charter, which emphasizes the respect for sovereignty and the prohibition of the use of force.

Key Details

The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has denounced the U.S. strikes as an act of military aggression that threatens international peace and stability, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Foreign Ministry"s statement highlighted that such actions put the lives of millions of Venezuelans at grave risk.

According to the Venezuelan government, the underlying motive of the U.S. strikes is to seize the country"s strategic resources, particularly its vast oil and mineral reserves, in an effort to undermine Venezuela"s political independence. The statement emphasized that the Venezuelan people and their legitimate government are committed to defending their sovereignty and the right to self-determination, asserting that previous attempts at "regime change" have failed and will continue to do so.

Venezuela"s historical context was referenced, with the government recalling its long-standing resistance against foreign intervention since declaring independence in 1811. The statement quoted President Cipriano Castro, who, in response to foreign aggression in 1902, proclaimed, "The insolent plant of the foreigner has profaned the sacred soil of the Motherland." This historical perspective serves to bolster the current government"s call for national unity and resistance against perceived imperialist threats.

In response to the military strikes, President Maduro has called for the activation of national mobilization plans and has urged all social and political forces in Venezuela to denounce the U.S. actions. The Venezuelan National Armed Forces are reportedly on high alert to ensure the country"s sovereignty and peace. Additionally, the government plans to file formal complaints with international bodies, including the UN Security Council, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), demanding accountability from the U.S. government.

To further address the situation, President Maduro has signed a decree declaring a State of Foreign Commotion throughout Venezuela. This decree aims to protect the rights of the population and ensure the functioning of republican institutions while preparing for potential armed conflict. The government has also ordered the immediate deployment of the Command for the Integral Defense of the Nation across all states and municipalities.

In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Venezuela asserts its right to legitimate defense to protect its people, territory, and independence. The Venezuelan government has called for solidarity from the peoples and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond to unite against what it describes as imperial aggression.

In closing, the Venezuelan government invoked the words of former President Hugo Chávez Frías, stating, "in any circumstance of new difficulties, no matter how great they may be, the response of all patriots... is unity, struggle, battle, and victory."

Background

The recent military strikes by the United States come amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Venezuela frequently accusing the U.S. of attempting to destabilize its government. This incident follows a series of related developments, including reports of U.S. Special Forces being confirmed on the ground in Caracas and allegations of missile attacks on the city. For more on this situation, see our previous reports.

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What"s Next

The Venezuelan government is expected to escalate its diplomatic efforts to garner international support against the U.S. military actions. The mobilization of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces and the implementation of national defense plans indicate a readiness to respond to further military threats. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as the Venezuelan government seeks to rally both domestic and international support.