Washington - United States President Donald Trump dismissed the relevance of international law following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, stating his personal morality was sufficient to guide his foreign policy decisions. Trump, in an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, said, "I don't need international law. I'm not looking to hurt people," when questioned about the constraints on his administration's increasingly assertive global actions.

The remarks came days after a U.S.-led military operation in Venezuela resulted in Maduro's abduction on Saturday. Explosions were reported in Caracas during the early morning raid. The U.S. government has not officially confirmed its direct involvement in the abduction, but anonymous sources within the Pentagon have suggested the operation was sanctioned at the highest levels.

When pressed on whether he felt bound by international law, Trump responded that he did, "but it depends what your definition of international law is." This statement has sparked widespread condemnation from international legal scholars and diplomats, who argue that it undermines the established framework of global governance and international relations.

The abduction of Maduro has further strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, which have been fraught with tension for years due to ideological differences and U.S. sanctions against the Maduro regime. Maduro's government has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a coup, a claim Washington denies, though its support for opposition forces within Venezuela is well-documented.

The situation has drawn criticism from various international actors. China, a key economic partner of Venezuela, has expressed "grave concern" over the use of military force and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty and international law. Brazil, while traditionally aligned with the U.S., announced it would be sending national guard troops to its border with Venezuela, citing concerns about regional stability.

Experts in international law have argued that the abduction, regardless of any U.S. charges against Maduro, constitutes a violation of international norms and treaties. "Even if Maduro is accused of crimes, due process and international legal procedures must be followed," said Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international law at the London School of Economics. "Unilateral military action undermines the entire system of international justice."

The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. Government supporters in Caracas held a march on January 7, demanding Maduro's release. The U.S. has yet to announce its plans for Venezuela, but speculation is rife about the possibility of Washington backing an interim government or pushing for new elections. The situation is being closely monitored by the United Nations and other international organizations, which are urging restraint and a return to diplomatic channels.