ANKARA

North Korea on Sunday strongly condemned the latest US raid on Venezuela that led to the capture of its president, calling Washington’s actions a “flagrant violation” of international law and yet another example of its “rogue and bestial nature,” state news agency KCNA reported.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said Pyongyang understands the gravity of the current situation in Venezuela, which it said has been brought about by the US's “coercive actions.”

The spokesperson warned that growing instability would further worsen an already fragile regional situation.

“This incident serves as yet another example of the rogue and bestial nature of the United States, a trait the international community has witnessed countless times over the years,” the ministry said.

North Korea described the US action as “hegemonic” and the most serious form of “infringement” on sovereignty, calling it a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and international law, whose fundamental principles include respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and territorial integrity.

Pyongyang urged the international community to raise its voice against the US and take seriously the Venezuelan crisis, warning that it has had devastating consequences for regional stability and international relations.

Venezuela’s government early Saturday said the US attacked civilian and military installations in multiple states, and later declared ‌a national ‌emergency.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large-scale" strike, and that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country. They have been taken to a detention center in New York.

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.