ISTANBUL

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday called for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife “without any undue delay,” after they were captured by the US a day ago.

“I have followed developments in Venezuela with grave concern. The leader of Venezuela and his wife were seized in a United States military operation of unusual scope and nature,” Anwar said on US social media company X.

Stressing that such actions “constitute a clear violation of international law and amount to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state,” Anwar said “President Maduro and his wife must be released without any undue delay.”

He noted that the “forcible removal” of a sitting head of government through external action “erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order.”

“It is for the people of Venezuela to determine their own political future,” the Malaysian prime minister said.

“Malaysia regards respect for international law and sovereignty as paramount to peaceful relations between states. Constructive engagement, dialogue and de-escalation remain the most credible path towards an outcome that protects civilians and allows Venezuelans to pursue their legitimate aspirations without further harm,” he added.

On Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states and declared ‌a national ‌emergency.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed the "large-scale" strike, adding that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country."

The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.