The OAS Fracture: Colombia and Brazil Demand Emergency Council Over US “Aggression”
Washington D.C., USA (OAS Headquarters) – January 4, 2026
The Organization of American States (OAS) is facing one of its most existential crises in decades as the regional body splits over the legality of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Led by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a bloc of South American nations has officially requested an urgent meeting of the Permanent Council to “establish the international legality” of the U.S. strikes.
The move threatens to isolate Washington within its own hemisphere, as regional leaders fear the precedent set by the “decapitation” of a neighboring sovereign government.
The “Assault on Sovereignty”
President Petro has been the most vocal critic, characterizing Washington’s actions as an “assault on the sovereignty of Latin America.” Colombia, which shares a massive and porous border with Venezuela, is particularly alarmed by the humanitarian fallout.
Petro’s call for an emergency OAS session is designed to force a regional vote on whether the U.S. violated the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which emphasizes non-intervention and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Brazil’s Lula has echoed these sentiments, stating that the U.S. has crossed an “unacceptable line.”
The political friction within the OAS is a significant blow to the “Special Relationship” that Washington once enjoyed with many of its southern neighbors.
If the OAS passes a resolution condemning the U.S., it would provide substantial diplomatic ammunition to Russia and China on the world stage, making it significantly harder for the U.S. to build a “legitimate” coalition for the administration of post-Maduro Venezuela.
News details
Colombia and Brazil have strongly condemned recent United States military actions in and around Venezuela and, in response,
Colombia has officially requested an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS). Brazil also views the US actions as an unacceptable and dangerous precedent for the region.
Key Details of the Crisis
- US Military Action: In early January 2026, US forces conducted air strikes and a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. US President Donald Trump stated the actions were part of an anti-narcotics campaign and that he would “run” Venezuela until a transition was achieved.
- Colombia’s Response:
- President Gustavo Petro called the actions “bombing with missiles” and a clear aggression against Venezuelan sovereignty.
- Colombia’s government has demanded an immediate emergency session of both the UN Security Council and the OAS to address the situation.
- Colombia has also deployed 30,000 troops to its border with Venezuela and activated a health alert due to concerns over regional destabilization.
- Brazil’s Stance:
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva immediately called an emergency meeting with his foreign policy team.
- A senior Brazilian foreign policy advisor stated that a US military intervention is “unacceptable” and could “inflame South America”.
- Brazil, along with Colombia, Mexico, and others, has rejected any outside attempt to control Venezuela.
- International Reaction: The US actions have been widely condemned by several nations and international organizations as a violation of international law and state sovereignty. Russia and China support Colombia’s request for a UN Security Council meeting.
The diplomatic fallout from this event has caused a significant regional crisis, leading to high tensions and calls for de-escalation through diplomatic channels.
