Overview
- Kirchner released a lengthy statement on Jan. 4 on social media criticizing the Trump administration's action in Venezuela.
- She said the operation violated the U.N. Charter and international law and resulted in numerous deaths.
- She characterized the detention of Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Venezuelan soil as a “literal kidnapping.”
- She argued the mission, referred to as “Operation Absolute Resolution,” aimed at control of Venezuela’s large conventional oil reserves rather than restoring democracy or fighting narcotrafficking.
- She placed the episode in the U.S. “Big Stick” tradition and warned it sets a dangerous precedent for violations of sovereignty and resource appropriation by stronger powers.