NEW YORK – The UN Chief, Antonio Guterres, has expressed deep concern over recent US military actions in Venezuela. The situation escalated on Saturday when US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
According to a statement by the UN Chief’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General is “deeply alarmed” by the escalation. He warned that the events could have “potential worrying implications for the region” and emphasized the importance of respecting international law, including the UN Charter.
The operation involved overnight strikes near Caracas. The Venezuelan government called it an act of “extremely serious military aggression” and declared a national emergency. Casualty numbers and damage reports are still unclear. The US stated that Maduro and his wife would face charges under a 2020 narcoterrorism indictment.
The UN Chief has urged all parties to engage in inclusive dialogue that respects human rights and international law. He stressed that actions bypassing international legal norms could set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.
Several countries have voiced strong reactions. Russia described the US operation as “armed aggression” and demanded clarification. China condemned it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, calling it a threat to peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Venezuela has formally requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.
US President Donald Trump stated that the United States intends to oversee Venezuela until a “safe and proper transition” occurs. He also mentioned that US oil companies would modernize the country’s infrastructure. Experts say this represents the largest US military operation in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion.
Human rights officials, including UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, have urged restraint and called for full compliance with international law. Analysts say the crisis highlights tensions between military interventions and global norms, with the UN Chief playing a central role in urging peaceful solutions.
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The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on diplomatic responses and the implications of US actions for regional stability.
