KUALA LUMPUR - Several Southeast Asian governments have voiced grave concern over developments in Venezuela following a dramatic US military operation, while moving to ensure the safety of their citizens in the country.

According to CNA, the United States carried out a pre-dawn operation in which commandos detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, as air strikes targeted locations in and around the capital, Caracas.

US President Donald Trump later said that Washington would “run” Venezuela and exploit its vast oil reserves.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday that he had followed the situation with “grave concern”, describing the US action as a “clear violation of international law and amount to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state”.

He called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.

“Whatever may be the reasons, the forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent.

“It erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order,” he said.

Earlier, Wisma Putra said Malaysia opposes all forms of foreign intervention and the threat or use of force in the internal affairs of other states.

“As a matter of principle, Malaysia opposes all forms of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of other states, as well as the threat or use of force,” the Foreign Ministry said.

It added that respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution are core principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law.

The ministry said the Malaysian embassy in Caracas has contacted all registered Malaysians and confirmed that they are safe.

“The embassy is actively monitoring the situation on the ground and stands ready to provide necessary consular assistance should the need arise,” it said.

Thailand said its embassy in Lima, which oversees Venezuelan affairs, remains in close contact with Thai nationals in Venezuela.

“Thailand has been closely monitoring developments in Venezuela and calls on all parties concerned to resolve the conflict through peaceful means, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.

“It urges restraint to prevent any escalation of violence, with priority given to the protection of civilians and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people,” the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said it is also monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist affected Filipinos.

“The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” it said.

It added that the Philippine Embassy in Bogota has issued a travel and safety advisory to Filipinos in Venezuela.

Vietnam and Indonesia likewise expressed deep concern over the unfolding events.

Vietnam called on all parties to respect international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty and non-use of force, according to state broadcaster Voice of Vietnam.

Hanoi also advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Venezuela, while its embassy in Caracas activated emergency communication channels.

Indonesia said all its citizens in Venezuela are safe and urged them to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the embassy.

“Indonesia calls on all relevant parties to prioritise peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Singapore said it is “gravely concerned” about the US intervention and urged restraint by all sides.

“Singapore is deeply committed to international law and the principles of the UN Charter that safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, especially small states.

“Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country,” its Foreign Ministry said.