MADRID: Migrants and descendants from across Latin America, joined by Spanish supporters, gathered outside the United States (US) Embassy in Madrid on Sunday (Jan 4) to protest what they described as US interference in Venezuela. Participants carried Latin American flags and chanted slogans in support of the country's sovereignty, Xinhua reported.
Andean pan flute music provided the backdrop to the demonstration. Alberto Calderon, a member of a traditional Andean music group and descendant of Peruvian migrants, led the rhythm and guided the chorus.
He said the melodies, rooted in the Andean highlands and shared across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and parts of Argentina and Chile, predate modern national borders and were adapted to address Venezuela's current situation.
"Venezuela, an immortal nation," the crowd chanted.
"For your resistance, the peoples of the world stand with you."
Araceli Munoz Rojas, one of the participants, said she joined the rally to protest what she described as US military interference in Venezuela and a violation of international law and national sovereignty.
Miguel Sanchez, a dual Spanish-Argentine citizen, warned that external intervention could set a precedent across the region.
As the rally concluded, the music and chants gradually faded, leaving participants emphasising solidarity and the ongoing memory of foreign intervention in Latin America.
"Even if time passes, I can't forget you, it's impossible," the crowd sang.
Earlier on Saturday (Jan 3), the US launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of Venezuela," according to a post by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account.
The US military action against the South American nation has drawn widespread international condemnation, with multiple countries calling for a coordinated global response. - Bernama
