Southeast Asian leaders and governments expressed serious concern following a United States military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, January 3, 2026, which resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The large-scale pre-dawn operation in Caracas immediately triggered widespread diplomatic reactions, with countries across the region emphasizing respect for international law, state sovereignty, and the safety of their nationals in Venezuela.
Indonesia
The Indonesian government on Saturday, January 3, 2026, conveyed deep concern over developments in Venezuela. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it continues to closely monitor the situation and is ensuring that all Indonesian nationals in Venezuela remain safe.
“Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians,” the Ministry said in a statement posted on X.
Indonesia stressed the importance of respecting international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Jakarta also warned that the use of force and the arrest of a sitting head of state through a military operation risk creating a dangerous precedent in international relations.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday, January 4, 2026, stated that the United States military operation in Venezuela constituted a “clear violation of international law and amounts to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state.”
“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,” Anwar said.
Anwar called for the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife. Earlier, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reiterated that Kuala Lumpur, as a matter of principle, opposes all forms of foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of other states.
The Malaysian Embassy in Caracas has been in contact with Malaysian nationals and has confirmed that they are safe.
The Philippines
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, January 4, 2026, said that Manila is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela following the United States military operation.
“The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” the DFA said in a statement.
The Philippine Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, which serves as the non-resident mission to Venezuela, has issued safety advisories to Filipino nationals. According to government records, there are 74 Filipino citizens currently in Venezuela.
Thailand
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, January 4, 2026, called on the United States and Venezuela to resolve the conflict peacefully and to fully respect the United Nations Charter and international law.
The Thai government emphasized the need for restraint to prevent further escalation, with priority given to the protection of civilians and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people.
Thailand’s Embassy in Lima, Peru, which is accredited to Venezuela, stated that it stands ready to provide consular assistance to Thai nationals. Thai authorities also advised that non-essential travel to Venezuela be postponed until further notice.
Viet Nam
Viet Nam on Saturday night, January 3, 2026, expressed deep concern over reports regarding the latest developments in Venezuela following the United States attack.
Viet Nam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Phạm Thu Hằng, stated that Viet Nam “calls on all relevant parties to respect international law and the United Nations Charter, including the principle of respect for national sovereignty, and to refrain from the use or threat of force in international relations.”
Viet Nam also urged all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and resolve differences in accordance with international law in order to safeguard regional and global peace, security, and stability.
Viet Nam’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Vũ Trung Mỹ, said that the Viet Namese Embassy in Caracas has activated emergency communication channels to monitor developments in the aftermath of the U.S. operation. He confirmed that 29 Viet Namese mission staff and their family members, two Viet Namese construction engineers, and two other Viet Namese nationals in Venezuela have been reported safe.
Singapore
Singapore on Sunday, January 4, 2026, expressed serious concern over the United States intervention in Venezuela on January 3. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the country remains firmly committed to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter that safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, particularly small states.
“Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country,” the Ministry said in an official statement.
Singapore also called on all parties to exercise restraint and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. The government stated that no Singaporean nationals are registered as being in Venezuela and advised its citizens to defer all travel to the country.
U.S. Military Operation and the Arrest of Maduro
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, January 3, 2026, announced that U.S. forces had conducted a joint military operation in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.
The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, involved airstrikes on several locations as well as a ground mission to extract Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their residence.
Trump said that Maduro and Cilia Flores were flown to the United States and will face legal proceedings in a federal court in New York on charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, based on indictments issued in 2020. He also stated that the United States would oversee Venezuela during a transition period toward a new government.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the action, describing it as military aggression and a violation of national sovereignty. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro’s release and said that a number of civilians and military personnel were killed during the operation, although no official figures were released.
