United Nations/New York: The United Nations has raised serious concerns over recent US military action in Venezuela, cautioning that the operation leading to President Nicolás Maduro’s capture could erode established norms of international conduct.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely troubled” by the rapid escalation between Washington and Caracas, describing the situation as one with potentially far-reaching consequences beyond Venezuela’s borders. In a statement released through his spokesperson on Saturday, Guterres warned that the events risk setting an unsettling example in global affairs.
“Regardless of the internal political and legal situation in Venezuela, the manner in which these developments unfolded represents a dangerous precedent,” the statement said, adding that there were “serious concerns” about adherence to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
The comments came hours after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out a major operation resulting in the detention of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown out of the country. US authorities have accused the Venezuelan leader of running a narco-terrorism network and conspiring to import cocaine into the United States.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed that both Maduro and Flores have been charged in the Southern District of New York. The indictment includes allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy, illegal drug trafficking, and possession of prohibited weapons. Bondi said the pair would face trial in US courts, praising the operation as a step toward accountability.
The UN, however, urged restraint. Guterres reiterated that all nations are bound by international legal frameworks, stressing that respect for sovereignty, human rights, and the rule of law must guide responses to political crises.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk echoed those concerns, calling on all parties to comply fully with international human rights obligations. “The safety and wellbeing of the Venezuelan people must remain the central priority,” he said in a post on social media.
As reactions continue to pour in from around the world, the UN has called for inclusive dialogue among Venezuelan stakeholders, warning that further escalation could destabilise the region and weaken the global rules-based order.
