menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Was Trump’s Maduro operation illegal? What international law has to say

10 77
08.01.2026

Fox News correspondent Steve Harrigan, Venezuelan political refugee Franklin Camargo and 'The Foreign Desk' editor-in-chief Lisa Daftari react to rising tensions between the U.S., Colombia and Cuba in the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's capture.

The abduction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela’s capital has set off extensive debates about its legality. International law scholars overwhelmingly assume that, regardless of its constitutionality, the action violated Venezuela’s sovereignty. In fact, there are strong international legal justifications for the operation.  

Indeed, at first glance, the invasion and abduction of Maduro would seem to be a "use of force... against the... political independence of any state," in the language of the U.N. Charter Article 2(4). However, this is true when the attacked state's government objects (as is typically the case). If the attacked state's government consents, there is no violation of sovereignty, and this is the common case of what is known as "interventions" and military assistance.  

Certainly Maduro and his vice president strongly object to the U.S. operation. But, the United States "does not recognize........

© Fox News