On Sunday night, the British Labour Party was engulfed in internal conflict as Members of Parliament demanded that the Prime Minister condemn the United States' recent attack on Venezuela. Sir Keir Starmer, the party leader, has notably refrained from labeling the capture of President Nicolas Maduro as an illegal act in violation of international law. This stance has intensified pressure from Left-wing hardliners within his party, who have previously compelled him to reverse major policy positions. Labour MPs have accused Sir Keir of hypocrisy, pointing to his statement that he would 'shed no tears' over Maduro's capture while simultaneously denouncing Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. They warned that his apparent support for Donald Trump's actions would 'haunt his legacy'.

The controversy stems from an audacious raid on the South American country on Saturday, authorized by US President Donald Trump. This operation, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' culminated in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by US special forces. Reports indicate that the mission may have resulted in 40 fatalities, including almost all of Maduro's security team, though no US casualties were reported. President Trump has stated his intention to 'run' the oil-rich nation temporarily, a move that has drawn widespread international condemnation.

Details of 'Operation Absolute Resolve' reveal it was approved by President Trump at 10:46 PM ET on Friday, operating from a temporary Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at his Mar-a-Lago club. The mission was supported by every branch of the US military and involved more than 150 aircraft. Low-flying aircraft initially targeted and destroyed military infrastructure, including air defense systems, to ensure the safe passage of helicopters. US forces arrived at Maduro's compound at 1:01 AM EST, taking him and his wife into custody shortly thereafter. One helicopter sustained a hit but remained flyable. By 3:29 AM EST, forces had exfiltrated, and Maduro and Flores were transported aboard the USS Iwo Jima to New York. There, Maduro faces trial on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and weapons charges, with allegations of facilitating the trafficking of up to 250 tons of cocaine by 2020.

Key US officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, monitored the operation alongside Trump. Notably absent were Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, were reportedly informed of the secret operation prior to its commencement but withheld publication until its completion to avoid endangering US troops, adhering to journalistic traditions for high-stakes national security issues.

The US administration has defended its actions. Marco Rubio, extensively involved in the operation and dubbed 'the Viceroy of Venezuela' by The Washington Post, explained that the US would not 'run' Venezuela like an occupation but would implement an 'oil quarantine' to ensure compliance with US orders. This involves refusing entry and exit to oil tankers linked to the sanctioned regime. Trump's children also reacted; Don Jr. and Eric Trump celebrated the raid on social media, while Ivanka Trump remained silent, focusing instead on personal reflections.

Internationally, the capture of Maduro has sparked concern and condemnation. Countries like France, Germany, and Canada called for respect for international law, and the United Nations expressed deep concern. Pope Leo conveyed his 'soul full of concern' and urged justice, peace, and the guarantee of Venezuelan sovereignty. The Venezuelan army demanded Maduro's 'immediate release' and denounced US 'colonialist ambition.' Within Venezuela, reactions were mixed: jubilant Venezuelans in exile celebrated the