LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom was not involved “in any way” in the US-led strikes on Venezuela, as he called for facts to be established before making any judgment on the operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

Starmer said he had not yet spoken to US President Donald Trump about the military operation in Caracas and stressed the need to assess the rapidly developing situation.

“I always say and believe we should uphold international law,” Starmer told reporters.

“But I think at this stage, in a fast-moving situation, let’s establish the facts and take it from there.”

He added that he wanted to speak directly with Trump and consult allies, reiterating: “I can be absolutely clear we were not involved in that.”

The prime minister said he was working with the UK embassy in Venezuela to ensure that about 500 British citizens in the country are “well looked-after, safeguarded and get appropriate advice.”

Trump said Venezuela’s left-wing president and his wife were flown out of the country following a military operation conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement.

According to CBS News, elite Delta Force soldiers were used in the raid.

US officials say Maduro has been indicted in New York on drug and weapons charges. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he anticipates no further action against Venezuela.

The strikes followed sustained US pressure on the Maduro government. Washington has accused Maduro of being personally involved in drug smuggling and of leading an illegitimate government, accusations Maduro has denied, instead accusing the United States of intimidation.

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc was closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that the EU considers Maduro to lack legitimacy but supports a peaceful transition.

She stressed that international law and the UN Charter must be respected and said the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela was the bloc’s top priority. — Agencies