The United States launched a military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently transported to New York to face 'narco-terrorism' charges. This dramatic intervention prompted immediate and widespread international criticism, leading to an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council days after the event. During the UN meeting, several member states, including the 125-nation Non-Aligned Movement, denounced the US action as a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law. Major US adversaries like China and Russia strongly condemned the intervention, with China's Foreign Minister stating that no country should act as the 'world's police' or 'world's judge'. Russia's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement to the United Nations condemning US aggression. Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela, accused the US of 'state terrorism' and faces deepening economic difficulties due to the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies. Even some US allies expressed considerable disquiet. While Italy and Israel showed support, most European governments, while not explicitly faulting the US, emphasized the importance of upholding international law and the UN Charter. A UK Cabinet minister acknowledged the 'serious questions about the rules-based order' raised by the raid. Left-leaning Latin American governments, including Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay, condemned Washington's actions. The US, under President Donald Trump, defended its actions as a 'judicial extraction mission' to protect Americans from 'narco-terrorists', asserting it would 'run' Venezuela and control its oil assets. The UN Secretary-General voiced deep alarm, stating that these developments constituted a 'dangerous precedent' and that international law had not been respected. The event highlights a significant geopolitical crisis and a challenge to established international norms and sovereignty.