Keir Starmer refuses to condemn Donald Trump for Venezuelan military operation as UK seeks full facts on Caracas raid

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has chosen to hold back on labeling the US military operation in Venezuela as legal or illegal.

The extraordinary mission, in which President Nicolas Maduro was seized and flown out of his country, has left governments and citizens alike grappling with its implications.

Starmer emphasized that the UK is not involved and that he wants to fully understand the situation before making any judgment.

“We Need All the Facts”

Speaking to BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer stressed his commitment to international law but declined to directly condemn President Donald Trump’s actions.

“I don’t shy away from this,” he said. “I’ve been a lifelong advocate of international law.

But we haven’t got all the facts yet. We need to get that before deciding on any consequences.”

His caution reflects the delicate position the UK finds itself in as a close ally of the United States.

UK Stays Out of the Venezuelan Conflict

The Prime Minister made it clear that Britain played no role in the airstrikes or the operation that captured Maduro.

“We were not involved in any way,” he said. He added that he hopes to speak directly with President Trump and other allies to gather more details about the mission.

Maduro and His Wife Face Serious Charges

The US has announced that Maduro and his wife now face indictment in the Southern District of New York.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro is charged with crimes including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and other destructive devices.

Bondi warned that the pair “will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil.”

Dramatic Images from the USS Iwo Jima

President Trump shared a striking photo showing Maduro blindfolded, strapped to a flotation device, and holding a water bottle aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

The image, paired with Trump’s statement, described the operation as “successful” and coordinated with US law enforcement.

Explosions and Chaos in Caracas

The military strike unleashed early Saturday morning shook neighborhoods across Caracas.

Witnesses reported loud blasts and smoke rising from military hangars, including Fort Tiona, the headquarters of Venezuela’s defense ministry.

Residents fled into the streets, some visibly frightened, as explosions and aircraft roared overhead.

Venezuela Responds With Mobilization

The Venezuelan government called on citizens to take to the streets and resist what it described as an “imperialist attack.”

President Maduro reportedly ordered the implementation of all national defense plans and declared a “state of external disturbance.”

The communications ministry condemned the US for what it called military aggression, while state television continued to air cultural programming, avoiding coverage of the attacks.

Trump’s Escalating Pressure on Maduro

This is the latest in a series of US measures aimed at pressuring Maduro to leave office.

Trump has repeatedly hinted at possible land operations and has ramped up strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Pacific and Caribbean.

The seizure of Maduro represents a significant escalation, and the world is watching closely to see what happens next.

Starmer Signals Diplomacy Over Reaction

While Trump boasts of the operation, Starmer’s tone was far more measured.

He repeatedly emphasized the need to establish facts and consult allies before deciding on any response.

The UK’s cautious stance highlights the challenge of navigating international law and maintaining diplomatic relationships in a rapidly evolving crisis.

What’s Next

As Maduro faces the US legal system and Venezuela mobilizes its defenses, global attention remains fixed on Caracas.

How the UK, US, and other nations respond to this unprecedented action could shape the region’s political landscape for years to come.

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