The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) on Saturday issued a statement strongly condemning the United States government for launching a military assault on Venezuela in the early hours of the same day.

ALBA denounced the action as "illegal military aggression," stating that it constitutes a grave breach of the UN Charter and poses a direct threat to peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. ALBA demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was flown out of the country along with his wife after explosions were reported in Caracas.

This military operation has drawn strong condemnation from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Russia and other nations. The Venezuelan government has denounced the action as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty.

(With input from agencies)