The United Nations Security Council will convene on Monday to address US military operations in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the intervention as “a dangerous precedent” under international law.
Colombia, supported by Russia and China, requested the emergency meeting of the 15-member council to examine the implications of US actions. Somalia, holding the rotating presidency, confirmed the session will be held under the theme “Threats to International Peace and Security.”
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The council has previously met twice in October and December to discuss escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. Diplomats noted that the recent US operation marks a significant escalation, raising concerns over sovereignty and regional stability.
US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would temporarily oversee Venezuela to ensure a “safe, proper, and judicious transition,” though details of this plan remain unclear. Trump praised the operation as “brilliant” and credited military planning and execution for its success.
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Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada condemned the US action as a “colonial war” aimed at dismantling the country’s republican institutions. He stressed that the intervention violates the UN Charter, which forbids using force against the political independence or territorial integrity of a member state.
The Trump administration has been targeting Venezuelan oil shipments and enforcing sanctions in the region for months. Guterres’ spokesperson reiterated that the UN Secretary-General is “deeply concerned” about the disregard for international law, urging all parties to respect the UN Charter.