Dutch lawmakers condemn US attack on Venezuela

THE HAGUE -- Several members of the Dutch House of Representatives on Saturday condemned a US attack on Venezuela, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Socialist Party leader Jimmy Dijk wrote on social media platform X that "Trump is bombing boats, drowning people, ports, and now another country." He warned that such military expansion is fueling international instability and endangering lives, stressing that the Netherlands must condemn the attack.

GreenLeft-Labor Party leader Jesse Klaver also denounced what he described as an "illegal attack by the Trump administration on Venezuela," saying it could have serious consequences for the region, including the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Christine Teunissen of the Party for the Animals likewise labeled the action an "illegal attack," noting that it impacts people who are already "in an extremely vulnerable situation." She urged the Dutch cabinet to issue a strong condemnation.

According to Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, the cabinet is closely following developments in the Caribbean and the situation in Venezuela.

Dutch Foreign Minister David Van Weel issued a statement which called on "all parties to prevent further escalation and to comply with international law."

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who was flown out of the country along with his wife.

Venezuela on Saturday denounced a "military aggression" by the United States, after large explosions were heard and aircraft were seen over the capital Caracas earlier in the day.