New York(The COW News Digital) The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, calling it a “serious violation of international law.” Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the issue during a United Nations Security Council session convened to discuss the U.S.-led operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Guterres criticized the January 3 operation, stating that it disregarded fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including state sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. “The use of force or threats against any state is strictly prohibited under international law,” Guterres emphasized, adding that these principles appeared to have been ignored during the recent action.
According to the Secretary-General, the protection of international peace and security requires all nations to adhere to the UN Charter and established legal frameworks. He urged all parties involved to pursue peaceful, democratic, and comprehensive dialogue as a means of resolving disputes, emphasizing that the rule of law must take precedence.
Reactions among member states were mixed during the Security Council session. Several countries condemned the U.S. operation as a dangerous precedent for global peace, warning that unilateral military interventions without international approval could destabilize the region. Some NATO members highlighted the importance of respecting legal limits while avoiding direct criticism of the United States.
Legal experts also weighed in, noting that the U.S. operation was conducted without UN authorization, without Venezuela’s consent, and without an immediate threat to justify defensive action. Under international law, they stressed, even serious allegations such as drug trafficking or terrorism do not provide automatic justification for military intervention.
The operation itself, carried out by U.S. special forces, reportedly involved forcibly removing President Maduro and his wife from their bedroom at midnight and transporting them by helicopter to a naval vessel. Both were later flown to the United States and presented in a federal court in New York, facing charges including narcotics terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and conspiracy against the United States.
Analysts say the UN’s condemnation underscores growing concerns over unilateral military actions and the erosion of international norms, particularly in Latin America. The incident highlights the importance of multilateral dialogue and legal frameworks in maintaining global stability and preventing escalations that could lead to wider conflicts.
As the situation develops, global observers are closely monitoring how international law, diplomacy, and ongoing court proceedings in the U.S. will shape the response to this unprecedented operation.
