GENEVA 

The UN human rights chief on Saturday said he is alarmed by the situation in Venezuela after US strikes and the capture of the country's president and first lady.

"Volker Turk alarmed by U.S. intervention in Venezuela. We urge everyone to exercise restraint and fully respect the UN Charter and international human rights law," the human rights office said in a post on the US social media platform X.

"The protection of people in Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action," the office urged.

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

On his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "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.

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.