Kathmandu, January 4: In the wake of the shocking US military incursion into Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, Nepal’s political landscape is buzzing with reactions from leftist leaders who have vehemently condemned the move as “state terrorism” and a blatant violation of international law. However, major parties like the Nepali Congress and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have remained conspicuously silent, raising questions about Nepal’s stance on global sovereignty issues.

The drama unfolded on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had entered Caracas, captured Maduro, and transported him to New York. Trump, in a high-profile press conference, hinted at charging the Venezuelan leader with drug trafficking and terrorism-related offenses. The announcement sparked immediate protests in Caracas, where government supporters rallied with posters of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

This bold US action has ignited international debate, with Nepali communist figures leading the charge in criticism, while the government studies the situation without comment.

Communist Leaders Unite in Condemnation

Former Prime Ministers Jhalanath Khanal and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, along with CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, have been at the forefront, labeling the US operation a direct assault on Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Pokhrel, in a strongly worded social media post, described the capture as an unacceptable act in modern society, arguing it undermines the United Nations Charter. “Such a move by one country’s leader to militarily intervene and detain an elected head of another state is a gross violation,” he wrote. He called for serious debate within American society itself, emphasizing that the incident raises profound questions about international law, sovereignty, and democratic values.

The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) echoed these sentiments in an official statement, warning that such actions could plunge the world into instability and conflict. They deemed Maduro’s arrest an “abduction-style” infringement on Venezuelan people’s sovereign rights, demanding his unconditional release. “These actions are completely unacceptable for democratic values, international dignity, and a civilized world order,” the statement read.

Khanal, a senior CPN leader and former PM, issued a separate communiqué branding the US move as “state terrorism” driven by imperialist ambitions.

“The US has long eyed Venezuela’s vast oil reserves—the largest in the world—and seeks to seize and plunder them,” he stated. Khanal pointed out that Maduro’s government refused to bow to US demands, leading to fabricated charges of drug trafficking as a pretext for his removal. He also highlighted ongoing protests in the US by justice-loving citizens against this “violent aggression.”

Another CPN leader, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, took to social media to call the event a “naked attack” on an independent nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged the UN and the global community to intervene decisively.

Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, former PM and leader of the Progressive Democratic Party (PrLoPa), invoked the Nepali proverb “Jasko lathi usko bhaisi” (might makes right) to criticize the US, warning that unchecked such behavior could lead to global catastrophe.

“All sovereign nations and the world community must condemn this in the strongest terms,” he urged. PrLoPa’s acting chair Janardan Sharma added that the action jeopardizes international security, democratic values, and interstate dignity.

Other leftist figures, including CPN (Unified) acting chair Ghanashyam Bhusal, National Janamorcha chair Rashmi Raj Nepali, and PrLoPa chair council member Ojashwi Bhattarai, have issued statements opposing the US intervention. PrLoPa even demanded that the Nepali government speak out against the attack, expressing solidarity with Venezuela’s people.

Echoes of Past Interventions

Nepali communists have a history of opposing US policies toward Venezuela. Seven years ago, when the US refused to recognize Maduro’s election victory and backed National Assembly leader Juan Guaido’s self-declaration as president, then-NCP chair Prachanda condemned it as interference and a coup attempt. Despite US and some European-Latin American support, Guaido’s bid failed as Maduro retained control of the military and administration. International backlash and internal opposition divisions led to the interim government’s dissolution.

Now, with the US directly capturing Maduro, the stakes are higher, amplifying calls for global accountability.

Government and Major Parties’ Silence Raises Eyebrows

While leftists rally against the US, the Nepali government has yet to issue any statement. A high-ranking official told reporters, “We are still studying the matter,” indicating a cautious approach to avoid diplomatic pitfalls. Analysts note that government positions on foreign crises signal broader foreign policy, and silence might preserve future relations but could be seen as indecisiveness.

The Nepali Congress, focused on internal matters, has not addressed the issue, with leaders claiming insufficient attention amid domestic priorities.

Similarly, the RSP has adopted a policy of not commenting immediately, though some members have spoken personally.

RSP central member and manifesto committee member Krantishikha Dhital broke ranks on social media, condemning the US action as a violation of the UN Charter. “No one has the right to interfere in another country’s sovereignty,” she wrote, noting that even US figures like Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris have criticized Trump. Dhital accused Trump of oil greed rather than democratic concerns, urging the Nepali government to voice its position promptly. “For small nations like ours, the price of freedom is even higher—we must not remain silent or neutral on such grave matters,” she added.

Despite Dhital’s personal stance, the RSP has not issued an official response. This selective silence contrasts with Nepal’s past statements on conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine, prompting calls for consistency.

As the world grapples with the implications of the US’s unprecedented move, Nepal’s divided reactions highlight ideological fault lines. With communists demanding action and others watching from the sidelines, the government’s eventual stance could define its role on the global stage.