Singapore has voiced deep concern over the United States’ dramatic intervention in Venezuela on Saturday (Jan. 3), urging all parties to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions in the Latin American nation.
The intervention, executed in a pre-dawn operation, saw U.S. special forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife while air strikes targeted strategic sites in and around the capital, Caracas. Maduro was subsequently transported out of the country, raising alarms internationally over the legality and implications of the operation.
In an official statement released on Sunday, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) underscored the city-state’s commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, which safeguard the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all states.
“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,” the MFA said. “Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country.”
The MFA called on all parties to exercise restraint and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. Singapore also noted that there are currently no registered Singaporean citizens in Venezuela and advised nationals to defer all travel to the country until further notice.
The operation saw Maduro and his wife first flown to a U.S. military base shortly after nightfall on Saturday. From there, they were transported by helicopter to New York City, where they were met by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents. Security footage showed the couple being slowly escorted along the tarmac at a National Guard facility in New York State.
Once in Manhattan, Maduro was to be taken to the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and later to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a federal facility. According to U.S. media reports, the Venezuelan president and his wife are facing charges of “narco-terrorism,” importing massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, and possession of illegal firearms. Arraignment is expected at a later, unspecified date.
The U.S. government has indicated that Maduro’s removal is part of a broader strategy to control Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. During a press conference on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the administration would “run” Venezuela and revealed that Cabinet members had been designated to oversee operations in the country.
Trump also left open the possibility of a U.S. military presence, asserting that Washington is “not afraid of boots on the ground,” though he provided no further details regarding troop deployment or long-term objectives.
The sudden and high-stakes operation has triggered global concern over its potential impact on regional stability, the legality of unilateral military intervention, and the precedent it may set for international relations. Singapore’s statement reflects a broader unease among nations wary of foreign military action, particularly in countries with ongoing political crises.
As events continue to unfold in Venezuela, the world watches closely, with Singapore emphasizing diplomacy, adherence to international law, and the protection of civilian populations as essential guiding principles.
