CARACAS/WASHINGTON — Several Asia-Pacific nations have called for dialogue and de-escalation in Venezuela after the United States conducted a large-scale military strike on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved over 150 U.S. aircraft targeting military installations in and around Caracas, disabling air defenses, and enabling special forces to seize the couple from their residence in the Fuerte Tiuna military complex.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation's success on Truth Social, stating that Maduro and Flores had been "captured and flown out of the country." He later confirmed that the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" could occur. Maduro and his wife were transferred to New York, where they face federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offenses, stemming from a superseding 2020 indictment. Maduro is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan federal court on January 5, 2026.
The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency in response, accusing the U.S. of "imperialist aggression" aimed at seizing the country's oil resources. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, elevated after Maduro's removal, denounced the action as a violation of sovereignty. Reports indicate at least 40 casualties, including civilians and military personnel, though exact figures remain unconfirmed.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded on Sunday, January 4, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the government is "monitoring developments in Venezuela." He urged "all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation." Albanese emphasized Australia's longstanding concerns about democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Venezuela, while reaffirming support for "international law and a peaceful, democratic transition... that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people."
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also addressed the crisis on X, stating that Japan places top priority on ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in Venezuela while closely coordinating with relevant countries. She affirmed Japan's commitment to fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, adding that Tokyo will work with G7 nations and regional partners to advance diplomatic efforts toward restoring democracy and stabilizing the situation.
South Korea's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing close monitoring of the developments. It urged "all relevant parties to make an effort to alleviate tension in the region" and hoped for swift stabilization "through dialogue as quickly as possible, while the opinions of the Venezuelan people are respected and democracy is restored." The ministry confirmed measures to protect South Korean citizens in Venezuela.
The Philippines, through Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona, said the country is "closely monitoring the evolving situation" and urged "concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict."
Thailand's Foreign Ministry similarly stated that it "has been monitoring the situation in Venezuela closely and urges all parties involved to resolve the conflict peacefully."
These measured responses from Asia-Pacific allies reflect broader international caution amid mixed global reactions. Celebrations erupted among Venezuelan diaspora communities in cities like Miami, Madrid, and Santiago, while protests occurred in places aligned with Maduro's government. Close allies such as Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran strongly condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session on January 5, following requests from Venezuela and Colombia.
The U.S. operation followed months of escalating pressure, including strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels and sanctions. Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, justified the action on grounds of countering narco-terrorism, with Maduro indicted for allegedly leading the "Cartel de los Soles." Legal experts have questioned the operation's compliance with international law and U.S. constitutional requirements for congressional authorization.
As Venezuela navigates uncertainty under acting leadership, regional stability hangs in balance. Neighboring Colombia has deployed forces to its border in anticipation of potential refugee flows, while opposition figures like María Corina Machado prepare for possible transitions. The strikes mark the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion, raising debates over sovereignty, precedent, and the future of Venezuelan governance.
