Southeast Asian leaders and governments have expressed grave concern over the United States military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, January 3, 2026, which resulted within the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
The large-scale pre-dawn operation in Caracas immediately sparked widespread diplomatic responses, with countries across the region emphasizing respect for international law, state sovereignty and the safety of their residents in Venezuela.
Indonesia
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Government of Indonesia expressed deep concern concerning the developments in Venezuela. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it continues to closely monitor the situation and ensure the security of all Indonesian residents in Venezuela.
“Indonesia also calls on all concerned parties to prioritize a peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians,” the ministry said in a press release posted on X.
Indonesia stressed the importance of respecting international law and the principles enshrined within the United Nations Charter. Jakarta also warned that using force and the arrest of a sitting head of state through a military operation could set a dangerous precedent in diplomacy.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday, January 4, 2026, stated that the United States military operation in Venezuela is a “clear violation of international law and amounts to the illegal use of force against a sovereign state.”
“Whatever the explanations, the forcible removal of a sitting head of presidency through external motion sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines fundamental limits on the exercise of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins the 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 is in principle against all types of foreign intervention in the interior affairs of other countries.
The Malaysian Embassy in Caracas has contacted the Malaysian nationals and confirmed that they’re secure.
Philippines
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Manila is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela following the United States military operation.
“The Philippines calls on the parties concerned to resolve their disputes by peaceful means and to exercise restraint to prevent the escalation of the conflict,” DFA said in a press release.
The Philippine Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which serves because the non-resident mission in Venezuela, has issued security advisories for Filipino residents. According to government data, there are currently 74 Filipino residents 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 fully respect the United Nations Charter and international law.
The Thai government stressed the necessity to exercise restraint to forestall further escalation, with the priority being the protection of civilians and respecting the need of the Venezuelan people.
The Thai Embassy in Lima, Peru, accredited to Venezuela, said it was ready to offer consular assistance to Thai nationals. Thai authorities have also advised that non-essential travel to Venezuela ought to be postponed until further notice.
Vietnam
On Saturday evening, January 3, 2026, Vietnam expressed deep concern over reports regarding the most recent developments in Venezuela following the United States attack.
Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Phạm Thu Hằng said Vietnam “calls on all interested parties to respect international law and the Charter of the United Nations, including the principle of respect for national sovereignty, and to refrain from the use or threat of force in diplomacy.”
Vietnam also called on all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue and resolve disputes in accordance with international law to guard peace, security and stability within the region and the world.
Vietnam’s ambassador to Venezuela, Vũ Trung Mỹ, said the Vietnamese embassy in Caracas has activated emergency communication channels to watch developments within the wake of the US operation. He confirmed that 29 Vietnamese mission staff and their relations, two Vietnamese construction engineers and two other Vietnamese nationals in Venezuela were found secure.
Singapore
Singapore on Sunday, January 4, 2026, expressed grave concern over the United States’ intervention in Venezuela on January 3. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the country stays firmly committed to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, which protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, especially small states.
“Singapore consistently opposes actions taken by any party contrary to international law, 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 said no Singaporean residents were registered as being in Venezuela and advised its residents to postpone all travel to the country.
US military operation and arrest of Maduro
US President Donald Trump on Saturday, January 3, 2026, announced that American forces had conducted a joint military operation within the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Operation named Operation Absolute Resolveincluded airstrikes in several locations, in addition to a ground mission to extract Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their residence.
Trump said Maduro and Cilia Flores were flown to the United States and, based on indictments issued in 2020, will face trial in federal court in New York on drug terrorism and drug trafficking charges. He also stated that the United States would oversee Venezuela through the transition towards a brand new government.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned this motion, describing it as military aggression and a violation of national sovereignty. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro’s release and said many civilians and military personnel were killed through the operation, although no official figures were provided.
