China, Russia condemn Maduro ouster

BEIJING: China and Russia were among the first to condemn the US military operation that led to the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, denouncing what they described as a violation of international law and national sovereignty.

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The operation sparked widespread international alarm, with allies and foes of both Washington and Caracas voicing concern over the escalation.

President Donald Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela and tap its vast oil reserves, posting an image of Mr Maduro in custody aboard a US naval vessel, blindfolded and in handcuffs.

Mr Maduro and his wife were flown by helicopter to New York City, where they face drug-trafficking and weapons charges, after being seized by US special forces during a predawn attack in which air strikes hit sites in and around the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Ministry urges calm post-strikes