The recent US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked significant international debate regarding its legality and the potential destabilization of the region. While some opposition members hailed the operation as a success, others expressed concern about the implications for international law and Venezuela's future governance.

UN CONCERNS OVER US INTERVENTION
The United Nations has expressed alarm over the US military operation, with spokesperson Volker Türk stating that it undermines fundamental principles of international law. Türk emphasized that military intervention cannot be justified by the Venezuelan government's human rights violations and called for accountability through a fair process. The UN's Human Rights Office has reported a decade of deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, raising fears that US involvement could exacerbate instability rather than resolve it.

OPPOSITION REACTION TO MADURO'S CAPTURE
The Venezuelan opposition initially celebrated Maduro's capture as a military triumph. Ricardo Hausmann, a former minister and opposition supporter, praised the operation's execution but quickly turned to frustration when US President Donald Trump indicated that he would not support opposition leader María Corina Machado's return to power. Trump instead recognized Maduro's vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, as a more viable leader, leaving many in the opposition feeling abandoned and confused about their political future.

BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S POSITION
In the UK, Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned of the "disintegration" of the rules-based international order following the US operation. He indicated that the instability in Venezuela poses a threat to British interests and national security. Streeting refrained from directly criticizing Trump's actions but highlighted the need for Europe to take charge of its own security and intelligence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is reportedly weighing its responses carefully, prioritizing UK interests while advocating for a government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

TRUMP'S STRATEGY AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
Trump characterized the operation as a "brilliant" success and suggested it could serve as a model for future interventions in Latin America. His administration's approach has raised eyebrows among both supporters and critics, as it appears to disregard established diplomatic norms. The Conservative leader in the UK, Kemi Badenoch, defended the operation, arguing that international law is contingent on mutual agreements among nations, which can be disregarded when one party is deemed to act against the interests of others.

WRAP-UP
The US military operation in Venezuela has ignited a complex web of political, legal, and ethical debates. As the situation unfolds, the implications for Venezuelan governance, regional stability, and international law remain uncertain. The responses from global leaders highlight a deepening divide over the legitimacy of unilateral military actions and their consequences for the international community.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team