ISTANBUL 

The UN’s top counterterrorism and human rights expert on Saturday condemned US strikes on Venezuela, calling them an “illegal aggression.”

“I condemn the US’ illegal aggression against Venezuela & the illegal abduction of its leader and his wife,” Saul wrote. “Every Venezuelan life lost is a violation of the right to life. President Trump should be impeached and investigated for the alleged killings,” Ben Saul said.

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

Trump confirmed conducting a "large scale" strike on his social media platform Truth Social, saying Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country.

The attacks came after months of tension with the US, which accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. Maduro denied being a cartel leader and had expressed readiness to hold talks.