PUTRAJAYA, January 4, 2026 — Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly criticized the United States for its military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describing it as a “clear violation of international law” and an “unlawful use of force against a sovereign state.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Anwar expressed “grave concern” over the developments in Venezuela, where US forces conducted airstrikes and a raid in Caracas on January 3, extracting Maduro and Flores. The couple was flown to New York, where Maduro faces long-standing US federal charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Anwar demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, warning that the “forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent.” He emphasized that such interventions erode international order and that Venezuelans alone should determine their political future. “Constructive engagement, dialogue and de-escalation remain the most credible path,” he added, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to sovereignty and international law.
The US operation, dubbed by some reports as involving Delta Force and extensive air support, has drawn sharp international divisions. President Donald Trump hailed the capture as a success with no American casualties, stating the US would temporarily “run” Venezuela to facilitate a transition and stabilize its oil sector.
Critics, including Russia and Iran, have condemned the strikes as aggression, while some Latin American voices and US allies have remained cautious or supportive, citing Maduro’s indicted status and Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis. Anwar’s response aligns with calls for respect of sovereignty amid fears of broader regional instability.
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