Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has delivered a measured critique of the operation leading to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s capture, emphasizing Ankara’s firm stance against violations of international law. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Erdogan declared that Turkey “does not condone any action that violates international law,” characterizing such breaches of national sovereignty as “risky steps” with potential for severe global complications.
The Turkish leadership had maintained a reserved posture over the weekend, limiting its response to a concise foreign ministry statement advocating for Venezuela’s stability. Erdogan himself avoided public commentary despite multiple opportunities, a silence that opposition leader Ozgur Ozel interpreted as apprehension toward angering U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom Erdogan has fostered a notably cordial relationship.
Erdogan confirmed addressing the Venezuela situation directly during a Monday phone discussion with President Trump, stating he had “clearly conveyed our country’s sensitivities” and stressed that “Venezuela must not be driven into instability.” He described the event leading to Maduro’s capture as profoundly “saddening” and reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the nations, noting that “President Maduro and the Venezuelan people have repeatedly shown that they are friends of our nation.” He pledged Turkey’s continued support for Venezuela.
This political drama unfolded alongside reports from The New York Times indicating a rising death toll from the associated military operations, now estimated at 80, including civilians and security personnel. U.S. special forces reportedly extracted Maduro from Caracas early Saturday amidst airstrikes on Venezuelan military sites.
Venezuela’s newly appointed interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, who previously served as vice president, has decried the operation, alleging it possesses “Zionist undertones” and has shocked governments worldwide. Meanwhile, Maduro has made an initial appearance in a U.S. court, pleading not guilty to a litany of charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and weapons offenses. His wife, Cilia Flores, abducted with him, faces separate accusations related to kidnapping, murder, and corruption.