HAMILTON, Canada

Canada's foreign minister on Saturday called for adherence to international law following the latest US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

"Since 2019, when Canada closed its embassy in Venezuela, we have refused to recognize any legitimacy of the Maduro regime and opposed its repression of the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissenters and particularly political leaders opposed to the regime," Anita Anand said in a statement.

Emphasizing Canada's "commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy," she said Ottawa "calls on all parties to respect international law, and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society."

"Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely," Anand said, adding that her country stands ready to help those Canadians in need via "consular officials and embassy in Bogota, Colombia."

Her statement comes after the US carried out a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela, with President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores also "captured and flown out" of the country, later en route to New York City, where they will face federal charges, according to US President Donald Trump.