South Korean President Lee Jae-myung directed officials on Saturday to safeguard approximately 70 nationals in Venezuela and prepare swift evacuation plans amid escalating tensions from a US military strike. The order follows US President Donald Trump's announcement of a large-scale operation capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife on narco-terrorism charges. No Korean casualties reported yet, primarily 50 in Caracas where strikes occurred.

A Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson emphasized thorough protection measures and meticulous contingency planning should conditions deteriorate further. The Foreign Ministry scheduled an emergency late-Saturday meeting to evaluate risks and formulate responses, establishing a dedicated task force. Coordination with the diplomatic mission in Venezuela ensures real-time safety updates for citizens.

Trump detailed the joint US law enforcement operation on Truth Social, confirming Maduro's extraction from the country. He scheduled a Mar-a-Lago press conference at 11 a.m. local time for more revelations, framing the strike as part of his administration's pressure campaign against Maduro's regime. This bold move marks a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela confrontations.

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South Korea's proactive stance reflects growing concerns for expatriates in volatile regions, with the task force monitoring developments closely. Around 70 Koreans reside in Venezuela, vulnerable amid potential reprisals or instability post-capture. Evacuation protocols prioritize rapid execution to avert risks.

The incident underscores global ripples from US foreign policy shifts under Trump, prompting allies like South Korea to bolster citizen protections. As Seoul convenes urgently, the world awaits further details on Maduro's fate and regional fallout.

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