AMSTERDAM — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Sunday, January 4, 2026, outside the U.S. Consulate General on Museumplein in Amsterdam to protest the United States' military intervention in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Organized by several left-wing and anti-imperialist groups, the rally condemned the operation as a violation of international law and sovereignty.
Protesters waved Venezuelan flags and held placards with messages such as “Hands off Venezuela,” “Stop US imperialism,” “No blood for oil,” “Boycott USA,” and “Stop killing for oil.” Chants echoed through the crowd, including “Their struggle is our struggle, international solidarity,” “Long live Venezuela,” “US terrorist,” and “Yankee, go home”—a direct reference to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The demonstration was coordinated by organizations including Volkeren voor Vrede (Peoples for Peace), the antifascist group Antifascistische oud-Verzetsstrijders Nederland (AFVN), the socialist youth organization ROOD, and the Revolutionair Socialistische Partij. Many participants were young activists carrying red flags and antifascist banners. Organizers described the U.S. actions in advance announcements as a “large-scale terror attack.”
Sjoerd de Groot, spokesperson and president of AFVN (Dutch Anti-Fascist Former Resistance Fighters Association), addressed the crowd, stating: “This is an attack on the democracy and sovereignty of Venezuela.” In comments to Anadolu Agency, he emphasized that the U.S. intervention constitutes “a clear violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law.” De Groot urged the Netherlands and other European Union countries to express solidarity with Venezuela, arguing that the issue transcends one nation: “This is about international law, the right to self-determination and the principles of democracy. Every civilized country should oppose this.” He called on citizens to pressure their governments to take a firm stand against the operation.
A heavy police presence surrounded the consulate, with officers implementing extensive security measures to maintain order. No incidents of violence were reported, and the protest remained peaceful.
The Amsterdam rally is part of a wave of international demonstrations responding to the U.S. operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," which unfolded early Saturday, January 3, 2026. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on military and civilian installations across northern Venezuela, disabling defenses before special forces raided Maduro's residence in Caracas' Fuerte Tiuna complex. President Trump announced the success on Truth Social, confirming that Maduro and Flores had been captured and transported to New York.
Maduro, 63, and his wife face federal charges in the Southern District of New York, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation, based on a superseding 2020 indictment alleging ties to the "Cartel de los Soles." They are detained ahead of a January 5 court appearance. Trump stated the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela to facilitate a transition and invest in its oil infrastructure, which holds the world's largest proven reserves.
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of "imperialist aggression" targeting resources. Casualty reports vary, with Venezuelan officials citing dozens of deaths.
Global reactions have been sharply divided. Condemnations from Russia, China, Malaysia, and left-wing groups worldwide frame the action as a sovereignty violation and dangerous precedent. Some Latin American leaders, including Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, echoed concerns over regional stability. In contrast, figures like Argentina's Javier Milei celebrated it as advancing freedom, while European responses ranged from cautious (Germany, France) to supportive of democratic transition but critical of military means.
In Europe, similar protests occurred in cities like Milan and Berlin, while celebrations by Venezuelan diaspora communities were reported in Madrid and Santiago. In the U.S., anti-intervention rallies took place in New York, Washington, and other cities, alongside celebrations in Venezuelan-American hubs like Doral, Florida.
The Amsterdam protest highlights growing European unease over unilateral U.S. actions, with participants viewing them as reminiscent of past interventions. As the UN Security Council prepares an emergency session on January 5, the incident continues to fuel debates on international law, resource-driven foreign policy, and regime change precedents.
