A United States military strike on Venezuela early Saturday led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who are now in New York awaiting trial. Experts warn this event marks a significant turning point with far-reaching consequences for South America and global governance.

• The US accused Maduro of drug trafficking, a justification rejected by experts who cite Venezuelan oil and Florida election politics as true motives.
• Jorge Heine, Chile’s former ambassador to China, stated the intervention is a "flagrant violation of international law and of the United Nations Charter," damaging the US's standing and international legal order.
• Nicaraguan political analyst Xavier Diaz-Lacayo called for firm international condemnation and the restoration of Maduro, emphasizing respect for self-determination and peace.