Erdoğan ally accuses US of ‘piracy’ and ‘kidnapping’ in capture of Maduro

Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accused the United States on Tuesday of “piracy” and “kidnapping” after President Donald Trump said US forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation.

Speaking to lawmakers at his party’s weekly parliamentary group meeting, Bahçeli compared the operation to a scene from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, saying a “movie set” had been “set up” in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas in full view of the world.

Trump said US forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during an overnight operation and transported them to the United States, a move that triggered condemnation at the United Nations, as many legal experts said the action was unlawful under international law.

Bahçeli said the operation was “illegitimate,” adding that even if Maduro had committed wrongdoing, punishment could not be imposed “by force” by another country.

He called on the US Congress to intervene and said Maduro should be returned to Venezuela, arguing that Venezuela’s future should be decided by its own people.

Bahçeli also accused Trump of seeking control of energy resources and warned that the world was entering a period of direct power politics.

The MHP is the key ally that keeps Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in power through the parliamentary majority it provides, giving Bahçeli influence over Turkish politics.

Erdoğan’s government initially issued a measured response.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it was closely following developments in Venezuela, called on “all parties” to act with restraint and said Ankara was ready to offer a constructive contribution “within the framework of international law.” The ministry also said Turkey’s embassy in Caracas was in contact with Turkish citizens in the country.

On Monday Erdoğan said he raised the issue in a phone call with Trump and warned that any violation of sovereignty and international law could fuel wider instability.

On Saturday main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel accused Erdoğan of staying quiet because he “fears Trump,” saying the Turkish president could not say “one word” about Maduro’s capture and removal from Venezuela.

Turkey has maintained ties with Maduro for years, including during periods when the US tried to isolate Venezuela’s government through sanctions and diplomatic pressure.