Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has offered support for the United States military operation in Venezuela, stating that “time was coming for all the narco-Chávista criminals.” His position aligns with other right-wing Latin American leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei in supporting the Saturday strikes that led to President Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
Noboa’s focus on drug trafficking connections reflects the Trump administration’s justification for the operation, with US officials emphasizing criminal charges related to narcotics operations. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face drug trafficking charges in New York, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the charges relate to the narcotics trade.
The captured Venezuelan leader is currently aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution, according to President Trump. The operation has drawn widespread international condemnation, with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of dangerous precedents and major powers including China, Russia, and France criticizing violations of sovereignty and international law.
Most Latin American leaders, particularly those on the left, have condemned the intervention as a violation of international legal norms. Brazil’s Lula, Colombia’s Petro, Mexico’s Sheinbaum, and Chile’s Boric have all issued strong statements warning that such actions undermine multilateral cooperation and create instability throughout the region.
The divided response highlights deep ideological fractures in South America, with conservative governments viewing the operation as justified action against criminal networks while progressive administrations see dangerous imperialism. Colombia has mobilized its armed forces due to concerns about refugee flows, and analysts question whether removing Maduro will lead to democratic change or simply reshuffle leadership within Venezuela’s existing power structure.