Minsk: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has "categorically" condemned the recent US military strike on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Natalia Eismont, Lukashenko's press secretary, conveyed the president's strong disapproval of the US action through a statement to the state news agency Belta.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lukashenko had previously warned of the potential consequences of such a military intervention, likening it to "a second Vietnam," a scenario he believes the US should avoid. In addition to Lukashenko's comments, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack, suggesting it posed a "direct threat to international peace and security."

The Belarusian ministry expressed its unwavering support for Venezuela's legitimate government and called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting to address the situation. The ministry emphasized the importance of respecting the Venezuelan people's right to self-determination and denounced any form of external intervention, particularly through force.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged the "large scale" strike on his social media platform, Truth Social, confirming the capture and subsequent removal of Maduro and his wife from Venezuela. The Venezuelan government reported that the US targeted both civilian and military sites across multiple states, prompting a national emergency.

The attack followed prolonged US pressure on President Maduro, with allegations of his involvement in drug trafficking, which Maduro has consistently denied. He had previously expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. In the aftermath of the strike, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated that they were unaware of Maduro's current location and demanded that President Trump provide "proof of life" for the Venezuelan leader.