The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged the United States and the wider international community to respect Venezuela’s sovereignty and the principles of international law following US military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The 15-member West African bloc expressed deep concern about developments in the South American country, warning against actions that undermine the independence and territorial integrity of states.

While acknowledging the right of nations to combat international crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS said such efforts must be conducted within the framework of international law.

“ECOWAS wishes to remind the international community of its obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other, as enshrined in international law, especially Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter,” the statement said.

The bloc reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and expressed support for their right to determine the future of their country through an inclusive and peaceful political process.

The statement followed the escalation in the long-running standoff between Washington and Caracas after US forces launched a military operation in Venezuela on Saturday.

According to US President Donald Trump, the operation led to the arrest of Maduro and his wife, whom US authorities accuse of drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with criminal groups designated as terrorist organisations.
The couple were flown to New York late on Saturday and is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, where they are expected to face federal charges.

Maduro has repeatedly denied the allegations, while senior officials in Caracas have condemned the arrests and demanded their immediate release.

The operation has triggered widespread international reaction and raised fresh questions about the legality of unilateral military interventions.

The New York Times, citing a senior Venezuelan official, reported that at least 80 people were killed during the operation, with the death toll expected to rise.

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said a large number of members of the president’s security detail were among those killed, though he did not provide precise figures.

Trump said the United States was prepared to assert control over Venezuela for the time being to ensure stability, adding that US troops could remain in the country if necessary. The remarks have further inflamed tensions and drawn criticism from several governments.

Russia has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Venezuela, while Spain warned that the US intervention set a very dangerous precedent in international relations.

Hungary said the European Union’s response exposed divisions within the bloc’s foreign policy, even as Brussels described the situation as a potential opportunity for a Venezuelan-led democratic transition.

ECOWAS called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue, warning that further escalation could deepen instability in Venezuela and beyond. (edited)