The United Nations has sharply criticised the United States’ military operations in Venezuela, warning that the move risks destabilising the wider region and undermining international law.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the escalation, which culminated in overnight strikes in Caracas and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces.
“Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, emphasising that all nations must respect the UN Charter.
The Venezuelan Government denounced the operation as “extremely serious military aggression” and declared a state of national emergency.
Casualty figures remain unclear, though the strikes followed months of heightened tension, including the seizure of oil tankers and deadly clashes at sea involving alleged drug trafficking vessels.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the action in a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, declaring that Washington intended to “run Venezuela” until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power could be secured. He added that American oil companies would modernise Venezuela’s infrastructure to “make money for the country”.
The UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged restraint, stressing that “the protection of the people of Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action.”
The UN Security Council is set to convene in New York on Monday morning at Venezuela’s request, with Russia and China backing calls for an emergency session.
Announcing her own concerns, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock reminded member states that Article 2 of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against another nation’s sovereignty.
“A peaceful, safe and just world for everyone is only possible if the rule of law prevails instead of might make right,” she said.
Meanwhile, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela warned that the crisis must not overshadow accountability for long-standing human rights abuses.
Chair Marta Valiñas highlighted evidence of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and sexual violence.
Expert Alex Neve cautioned that while Venezuelan officials must answer for crimes against humanity, “alleged violations do not justify a military intervention that breaches international law.”
The Mission further noted concerns about Washington’s stated intention to “run” Venezuela, warning of heightened risks of further violations under emergency conditions.
Investigator Maria Eloisa Quintero stressed that responsibility extends beyond Mr. Maduro to others in command of security forces.
As the world’s largest oil reserve holder, Venezuela’s fate carries significant geopolitical weight. The unfolding crisis has prompted urgent calls for dialogue, with the UN insisting that international law and human rights must remain central to any resolution.
Sources: UN News, Free Press Journal, Reuters
