Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed Canada’s support for the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their future in a peaceful and democratic manner following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces had apprehended Venezuela’s president early on a Saturday morning.
Carney stated on social media that Canada had not acknowledged Nicolás Maduro’s regime as legitimate since the contested 2018 election and welcomed the prospect of freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for Venezuelans. Emphasizing a peaceful transition process led by Venezuelans, Carney urged all parties to adhere to international law.
President Trump declared a successful “large-scale strike” against Venezuela, resulting in multiple explosions and military aircraft activity in Caracas. Maduro’s government promptly accused the U.S. of attacking civilian and military targets.
Global Affairs Canada reported no Canadian casualties from the attacks and advised Canadians in Venezuela to contact the Canadian Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, as the Venezuelan embassy had been closed since 2019.
In a separate social media post, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi disclosed that Maduro and his wife had been indicted in a U.S. court. Trump later announced plans for the U.S. to oversee Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition could be implemented.
This development signifies the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed the prime minister’s stance, condemning Maduro’s regime and supporting the Venezuelan people’s aspirations for a peaceful and democratic society.
Carney emphasized Canada’s commitment to resolving crises through multilateral engagement and reiterated support for Canadian citizens and Venezuelan refugees. Opposition leaders expressed contrasting views on the U.S. actions, with some celebrating Maduro’s capture and others condemning the intervention as illegal and a breach of international law.