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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly condemned the United States following what it claims is a military operation resulting in the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The EFF released the statement on Saturday, 3 January 2026, describing the event as “imperial aggression” and a threat to global sovereignty.
According to the EFF, the U.S. launched airstrikes and special operations in Venezuela that led to explosions in Caracas and the removal of Maduro, who was reportedly flown to New York to face indictment. The party accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of boasting online about the operation and America’s interest in Venezuelan oil.
🦹♂️DICTATOR🦹♂️
Venezuela is celebrating after Donald Trump removed the dictator
Nicolás Maduro who has been in control since 2013!!Overnight on Friday Jan 2nd 2026,
the US carried out airstrikes across Venezuela,
with explosions rocking the capital,
Caracas just… pic.twitter.com/2Tmnhb2EDx— Jakey (@JacobBaker613) January 3, 2026
What the EFF Says Happened
- US airstrikes and operations took place in Venezuela on 3 January 2026
- Explosions were reported in Caracas and other areas
- President Maduro and Cilia Flores were allegedly captured and taken to the US
- Donald Trump publicly claimed the operation as a success on social media
EFF’s Main Objections
The EFF argues the action violates international law and undermines national sovereignty. They say it sets a precedent where:
- Powerful countries remove foreign leaders without consent
- Military force replaces diplomacy
- Resource-rich nations in the Global South are targeted for exploitation
They also claim the intervention follows a long pattern of US-led regime change operations, referencing:
- Iraq (2003) – Saddam Hussein
- Libya (2011) – Muammar Gaddafi
- Panama (1989) – Manuel Noriega
- Congo (1961) – Patrice Lumumba
Call to Action by the EFF
The EFF urges:
- The United Nations and world governments to condemn the action
- The safe return of Maduro and his wife
- South Africa to stand with Venezuela, given its anti-colonial legacy
Global and Regional Reactions
According to the EFF:
- Countries like Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Mexico have condemned the US
- Some European states have called for restraint
- The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency
