Somaliland backs U.S. operation against Venezuelan president

Somaliland has expressed support for the United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following a U.S.-led military operation that has drawn widespread international controversy.

In a statement issued by Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said it supported the mission, despite some countries describing the operation as a “violation of international law.” The communiqué stated that “the Government of the Republic of Somaliland affirms its principled alignment with the United States in support of calibrated international action aimed at restoring constitutional order, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law in Venezuela.”

The statement further added that, “in line with international norms and collective security considerations, Somaliland believes that responsible U.S.-led engagement, carried out in coordination with regional and multilateral partners, can help alleviate humanitarian suffering, counter transnational criminal networks, and support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition based on sovereignty, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

According to U.S. officials, American forces carried out a sudden and highly coordinated military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation reportedly followed months of intelligence gathering that tracked Maduro’s movements and security arrangements.

Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to New York, where they are expected to face charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses. U.S. authorities said the charges stem from long-running investigations into alleged drug trafficking and money laundering activities linked to Maduro’s government. Their arrival in the United States marks an unprecedented moment, as a sitting head of state is brought before American courts.

The arrest has triggered strong reactions around the world. Venezuelan officials condemned the operation as an illegal act of aggression and a violation of national sovereignty. U.S. leaders, however, defended the move as part of a broader effort to combat international drug trafficking and organized crime. President Donald Trump said Washington intends to oversee Venezuela’s governance temporarily and suggested that similar actions could be taken elsewhere.

International observers and legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of removing a sitting president through foreign military intervention, warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent. Somaliland, which has yet to receive international recognition, has joined a small group of countries in publicly supporting the U.S. operation.