PYONGYANG/CARACAS — North Korea on Sunday issued a scathing condemnation of the United States' large-scale military strikes on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describing the actions as "the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty" and a "flagrant violation" of the UN Charter and international law.
In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a spokesperson for the DPRK Foreign Ministry said Pyongyang is "paying close attention to the gravity of the present situation in Venezuela caused by the U.S. high-handedness act." The spokesperson warned that the incident has "caused a catastrophic consequence to ensuring the identity of the regional and international relations structure," further destabilizing an already fragile global order.
"The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the United States, which the international community has so frequently witnessed for a long time," the statement read, accusing Washington of hegemonic behavior and habitual infringement on sovereign states. Pyongyang urged the international community to "raise its voice" against U.S. actions and take the Venezuelan crisis seriously, emphasizing principles of sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and territorial integrity.
The condemnation came on the same day North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea (Sea of Japan), its first such test in 2026 and the initial provocation since November 7, 2025. Analysts interpreted the launches as a signal of resolve amid heightened tensions, potentially aimed at demonstrating Pyongyang's nuclear deterrence capabilities in light of the Venezuela events. Experts noted that the timing—hours after the U.S. operation and during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to China—may reflect Kim Jong Un's concerns over regime security, underscoring that North Korea, unlike Venezuela, possesses advanced military deterrents.
The U.S. operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," commenced early Saturday, January 3, 2026, with airstrikes targeting military and civilian installations across northern Venezuela, including sites in and around Caracas. Over 150 U.S. aircraft participated, disabling air defenses before special forces raided Maduro's residence in the Fuerte Tiuna military complex. President Donald Trump announced the success on Truth Social, confirming Maduro and Flores had been "captured and flown out of the country" to New York, where they face federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses from a 2020 indictment. Maduro is detained in a New York facility ahead of a January 5 court appearance.
Trump later stated the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela to oversee a transition and invest in its oil infrastructure. Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of "imperialist aggression" and reporting casualties, with preliminary figures estimating at least 40 deaths, including civilians.
North Korea's strong rhetoric aligns with condemnations from other U.S. adversaries. China demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, calling the strikes a "clear violation of international law" and urging the U.S. to "stop toppling" governments. Russia labeled the action an "unacceptable assault" on sovereignty and requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Iran and Cuba echoed denunciations, with Cuba rallying in solidarity.
In Asia, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim demanded Maduro's release "without undue delay," terming the operation a violation of international law. India expressed "deep concern" and called for dialogue respecting Venezuelan aspirations. Left-wing Indian parties jointly condemned it as "aggression" and a UN Charter breach.
Western and regional responses were divided. Argentina's President Javier Milei celebrated the capture as advancing liberty. France's President Emmanuel Macron said Venezuelans could "rejoice" at Maduro's removal but criticized the use of force. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called it a "dangerous precedent" and "serious affront" to sovereignty. The EU monitored closely, noting Maduro's lack of legitimacy while stressing international law.
The UN expressed alarm, warning of implications for regional stability. Neighboring Colombia deployed border forces anticipating refugee flows.
This U.S. intervention—the most direct in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion—has reignited debates over sovereignty, regime change, and great-power precedents, with North Korea's response highlighting fears among authoritarian regimes of similar actions.
