Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Uruguay reject U.S. "control" over Venezuela

Six Nations Issue Joint Condemnation of US Intervention in Venezuela

Bogotá, Colombia — January 5, 2026

In a rare display of regional unity, the governments of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain have jointly condemned recent unilateral military actions by the United States in Venezuela, warning against any external "control" over the crisis-stricken nation.

The strongly worded statement, released on January 4, comes just one day after US forces conducted a high-profile operation that resulted in the ousting and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. US President Donald Trump subsequently announced that American authorities would temporarily "run" Venezuela during a transitional period, raising alarms about potential exploitation of the country's vast oil reserves.

The six signatory nations expressed "deep concern and rejection" of the US military intervention, describing it as a violation of fundamental principles of international law, including the prohibition on the use of force and respect for territorial sovereignty as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

"These actions constitute an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security," the statement read, highlighting risks to civilian populations and broader stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The countries—spanning left-leaning administrations in Brazil and Mexico to more centrist ones in Colombia and Chile—also voiced explicit opposition to "any attempt at governmental control or administration or outside appropriation of natural or strategic resources." This appears to directly address Trump's suggestions that the US would oversee Venezuela's oil industry, the largest proven reserves in the world, during the interim period.

The joint communiqué called for the Venezuelan crisis to be resolved "exclusively through peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people... without external interference." It reaffirmed Latin America and the Caribbean as a "zone of peace" and urged regional unity against actions threatening stability.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose country has historical ties to Venezuela, aligned with the Latin American leaders despite past criticisms of the Maduro regime. Analysts note that Spain, like the others, has emphasized non-intervention while previously refusing to recognize certain aspects of Maduro's government.

The statement has drawn attention for bridging ideological divides in the region, with signatories including both critics and former diplomatic allies of Maduro. It underscores growing unease over the US operation, which has sparked debates about international law and sovereignty.

As Venezuela navigates this unprecedented transition, the international community watches closely. The six nations' declaration signals a pushback against perceived overreach, advocating for a Venezuelan-led solution amid fears of prolonged foreign involvement in the oil-rich nation.

Developments continue to unfold rapidly in Caracas, where power outages and unrest have been reported following the US strikes.

17GEN4.com