KUALA LUMPUR/CARACAS — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday strongly condemned the United States' military strikes on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describing the operation as a "clear violation of international law" and demanding their release "without any undue delay."
In a detailed statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) and echoed in official releases, Anwar expressed "grave concern" over the developments, noting that the seizure of a sitting head of government and his spouse during a large-scale U.S. military raid "constitutes a clear violation of international law and amounts to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state." He warned that such "forcible removal" through external intervention "erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order," setting a "dangerous precedent."
Anwar emphasized that "it is for the people of Venezuela to determine their own political future," adding that history has shown imposed leadership changes often lead to greater harm, particularly in nations facing economic and social challenges. He reiterated Malaysia's commitment to respect for international law, sovereignty, and peaceful relations, urging "constructive engagement, dialogue and de-escalation" as the path to protect civilians and allow Venezuelans to pursue their aspirations.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry confirmed no Malaysians were affected by the strikes and stated it is closely monitoring the situation for citizen safety.
The U.S. operation, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," unfolded early Saturday, January 3, 2026, involving over 150 aircraft that targeted military installations across northern Venezuela, including around Caracas. U.S. special forces, supported by intelligence from a CIA team operating inside the country, raided Maduro's residence in the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, capturing him and Flores without U.S. casualties, though Venezuelan reports indicate at least 40 deaths, including civilians.
President Donald Trump announced the success on Truth Social, stating the couple had been "captured and flown out of the country." Maduro and Flores were transferred to New York, where they face superseding charges from a 2020 indictment, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses. Maduro is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Manhattan federal court on January 5.
Trump later declared the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela to facilitate a "safe, proper and judicious transition," emphasizing access to the nation's vast oil reserves for investment. The operation followed months of escalating pressure, including strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels and sanctions, framed by the administration as countering the "Cartel de los Soles."
Venezuela's acting leadership, under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of "imperialist aggression" targeting oil resources. Rodríguez demanded the couple's immediate release, asserting Maduro remains the legitimate president.
Global reactions have been sharply divided. Allies like Russia and China condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and called for Maduro's release. Russia urged the U.S. to "reconsider its position and release the legally elected president," while China opposed regime change efforts and advocated dialogue. Iran and Cuba echoed strong denunciations.
In Latin America, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia rejected the unilateral action as contravening international law, with Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva calling it a "grave affront" and dangerous precedent. However, opposition-aligned figures and some leaders, like Argentina's Javier Milei, celebrated it as advancing freedom.
European responses were mixed: France acknowledged Maduro's rights violations but criticized the operation as breaching non-use of force principles; the EU urged respect for the UN Charter while noting Maduro's lack of legitimacy; the UK shed "no tears" for his regime but stressed international law.
Asia-Pacific nations largely called for restraint. Australia urged dialogue for stability; Japan prioritized nationals' safety while advancing diplomatic restoration of democracy; South Korea and the Philippines hoped for quick stabilization through peaceful means respecting Venezuelan opinions.
The UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency session on January 5 amid requests from Venezuela and allies. Legal experts debate the operation's compliance with international law and U.S. constitutional requirements, comparing it to historical interventions like the 1989 Panama invasion.
As Venezuela faces uncertainty, neighboring Colombia has bolstered border forces anticipating refugee flows. Venezuelan diaspora communities in Miami, Madrid, and elsewhere celebrated, while pro-government protests occurred in Caracas.
This incident highlights ongoing debates over sovereignty, intervention, and great-power actions in a multipolar world, with implications for regional stability and international norms.
