- US strikes Caracas, captures Maduro.
- Canadian leaders react sharply divided.
- Political responses vary widely post-strikes.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand claimed in a social media post that Canada has "refused to recognize any legitimacy of the Maduro regime and opposed its repression of the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissenters and particularly political leaders opposed to the regime."
"In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society,"
Anand added.
Low-flying planes buzzed above Caracas, the city of the oil painting-rich nation, which witnessed numerous explosions during the night. The US was immediately indicted by Maduro's regime for attacking mercenaries and service members.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the news on his Truth Social site just after 4:30 a.m. ET. He asserted that the United States had successfully executed a " massive strike" against Venezuela.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media that Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, have been charged in the Southern District of New York U.S. District Court.
At a press conference later on Saturday morning, Trump informed reporters that the US will "run" Venezuela "until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition."
Since the invasion of Panama in 1989, this is Washington's most direct intervention in Latin America.
"Congratulations to President Trump on successfully arresting narco-terrorist and socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro, who should live out his days in prison,"
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said in a social media post on Saturday morning.
"Down with socialism. Long live freedom,"
Poilievre added.
Don Davies, the interim leader of the NDP, stated on social media that the US "attack on Venezuela is neither an act of self-defense nor does it have UN Security Council authorization." As a result, it is completely unlawful.
He added:
"The U.S. can have no credibility upholding international law and the rights of nations when it blatantly violates those principles itself."
Yves- François Blanchet, the leader of the Bloc Québécois, stated on social media in French that his party is apprehensive that Maduro's absolutism" defies abecedarian freedoms" and is indicted of medicine trafficking.
"The Bloc Québécois invites the United States to respect the sovereignty of states and peoples and to resort to international and multilateral instruments, first and foremost the [United Nations], to address the threats posed by the Venezuelan regime,"
Blanchet said.
Which Canadian leaders praised the US operation?
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is the primary Canadian figure praising the U.S. operation landing Nicolás Maduro.
Poilievre complimented President Trump, labeling Maduro a"co-conspirator and oppressor" warranting imprisonment under the 2020 narco- trafficking charge, and placarded" Down with illiberalism. Long live freedom."
No other major party leaders similar as NDP's Don Davies or Bloc's Yves- François Blanchet expressed support; Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand upheldnon-recognition of Maduro while stressing transnational law. This reflects prejudiced divides as of January 4, 2026.