ASIATODAY.ID, NEW YORK — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning over the rapidly escalating US–Venezuela conflict, declaring that Washington’s military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro represents a dangerous precedent that could undermine international law, national sovereignty, and global security.
The crisis intensified after US special forces detained Maduro during overnight military strikes in and around Caracas, a move announced by US President Donald Trump via social media.
The US Attorney General later confirmed that Maduro and his wife would face prosecution in American courts under a 2020 narcoterrorism indictment issued during Trump’s first term.
US Military Strikes Trigger National Emergency in Venezuela
The US operation began with coordinated air and ground strikes near the Venezuelan capital, prompting the government in Caracas to declare a state of national emergency. Casualty figures and the full extent of damage remain unconfirmed.
Venezuela’s government condemned the operation as an act of “extremely serious military aggression”, following months of rising tensions marked by a US military buildup in the Caribbean, seizures of sanctioned oil tankers, and deadly attacks on vessels Washington claims were linked to drug trafficking.
UN: International Law Must Prevail Over Military Power
In a statement delivered by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the escalation.
“Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General stresses the absolute necessity for all states to respect international law and the UN Charter,” he said on January 3, 2026.
He warned that the rules-based international order is at risk if military force replaces diplomacy, urging all parties to pursue inclusive dialogue, uphold human rights, and prevent further destabilization.
Emergency UN Security Council Meeting Called
Venezuela has formally requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, scheduled to take place in New York. The confrontation has rapidly become a focal point of global geopolitics, raising fears of wider regional fallout.
During a press conference in Florida, President Trump stated that the United States intends to “run Venezuela” until a “safe and orderly transition” of power is achieved.
He also pointed to Venezuela’s vast oil wealth—the largest proven reserves in the world—saying US energy companies would modernize infrastructure to revive the country’s economy.
The remarks have triggered international concern over sovereignty violations, regime change, and resource-driven intervention.
‘Might Does Not Make Right’: UN General Assembly Warning
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock issued a blunt reminder that the UN Charter is not optional, citing Article 2’s prohibition on the threat or use of force against another state’s territorial integrity or political independence.
“A peaceful, safe and just world is only possible when the rule of law prevails over the logic of power.”
Human Rights Scrutiny Intensifies Amid Political Turmoil
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela expressed grave concern that the unfolding crisis could overshadow long-documented crimes against humanity committed inside the country.
The mission has previously recorded: Extrajudicial killings, Arbitrary detention, Enforced disappearances, Torture and ill-treatment, Sexual and gender-based violence.
UN experts stressed that alleged crimes by Venezuelan authorities do not justify unlawful military intervention, while the illegality of foreign action does not absolve domestic perpetrators of responsibility.
Fears of Regional and Global Escalation
Investigators warned that Venezuela’s declared state of emergency, combined with Washington’s assertion that it will govern the country temporarily, significantly heightens the risk of further human rights violations, regional instability, and broader geopolitical conflict.
The United Nations said it is closely monitoring developments and urged both the United States and Venezuela, along with the international community, to place international law, human rights, and civilian protection above strategic interests. (AT Network)
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