An expert comment from the University of Oxford, authored by Professor Janina Dill, asserts that the recent US military attack against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro are unequivocally illegal under international law. The article, published on January 7, 2026, emphasizes that the United States' actions violate Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. This sentiment is widely corroborated by numerous international law experts and organizations. Multiple sources, including reports from Al Jazeera, Xinhua, The Guardian, and the UN Human Rights Office, highlight that the US operation, which involved bombing targets and forcibly abducting a sitting head of state, cannot be justified as a mere 'law enforcement operation.' Experts consistently argue that no legal exceptions, such as self-defense or a UN Security Council mandate, apply to the US intervention, making it a clear act of aggression. The UN experts have also denounced the partial maritime blockade imposed by the US on Venezuela, stating it violates fundamental rules of international law and constitutes illegal armed aggression. Legal scholars warn that this disregard for foundational international legal rules, including the immunity afforded to a head of state, sets a dangerous precedent for the international order and global stability. While the US administration has attempted to justify its actions by citing Maduro's alleged involvement in drug trafficking and non-recognition of his legitimacy, legal experts contend these arguments do not override the prohibition on the use of force in another sovereign nation's territory. The global community's reaction to this perceived violation of international law is deemed critical in determining its impact on the future efficacy of the rules-based international system.