Swinney ‘deeply concerned’ by Venezuela events after US captures leader Maduro

John Swinney has said he is “deeply concerned” by the events in Venezuela, following the US military strikes and capture of the country’s president Nicolas Maduro.

Responding to the unfolding events in the South American nation, the First Minister said Mr Maduro’s regime was “without doubt illegitimate and authoritarian” but stressed the importance of following the “international rules-based system”.

Mr Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was captured and flown out of Caracas in an overnight operation which saw a series of US air strikes.

He is expected to face drugs conspiracy charges in New York.

Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK was “not involved in any way” in the operation.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, Mr Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned at the events we have witnessed unfold in Venezuela over the course of today.

“The Maduro regime is without doubt illegitimate and authoritarian but it is absolutely essential that all nations act within the international rules-based system.

“The international community must now ensure that de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are the foundations of what follows the events of the last few hours.”

Earlier, Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie condemned the US action in Venezuela.

He said: “This is a dangerous and cynical act of imperialism and aggression from a Trump administration that has a proven contempt for human rights and international law.

“Donald Trump promised to end US wars, but since he was elected, he has cosied up to Vladimir Putin, armed Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and bombed Venezuela.

“The unprovoked and deadly invasion of another country while its citizens sleep should appal all of us.

“The fact that Venezuela has some of the world’s largest oil reserves makes this feel very familiar.”