Published: 04 Jan 2026, 09:38 am
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over recent United States military activity in Venezuela, warning that such actions could have destabilising consequences for the region.
A spokesperson for Mr Guterres stated on Monday that, regardless of the circumstances in Venezuela, the deployment of military force by any external actor “sets a dangerous precedent.” The statement emphasised that all parties must adhere fully to international law, including the United Nations Charter, and underlined the Secretary-General’s longstanding call for respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“The Secretary-General stresses the importance of inclusive dialogue in Venezuela, conducted in full compliance with international law, as a path to peace and stability,” the spokesperson said.
The remarks come amid escalating international concern over U.S. operations in the South American nation. While the United States has cited security and humanitarian reasons for its involvement, critics argue that unilateral military actions risk inflaming an already fragile political situation.
In response to these developments, a special emergency session of the UN Security Council has been convened. The session was called at the request of Colombia and received backing from Russia and China, signalling broad international attention and concern over the crisis. The meeting is expected to discuss potential measures to prevent further escalation and promote diplomatic resolution.
To provide context, the current situation can be summarised as follows:
| Key Actors | Position / Action | International Response |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Military involvement in Venezuela | Criticism and concern from UN Secretary-General |
| Venezuela | Host nation, facing political instability | Calls for inclusive dialogue and respect for international law |
| Colombia | Regional neighbour | Requested UN Security Council emergency session |
| Russia & China | UN Security Council members | Supported convening of emergency session |
| United Nations | Secretary-General António Guterres | Advocates adherence to international law and human rights |
The UN has reiterated that all interventions must comply with established international norms. Guterres’s office stressed that a failure to do so risks undermining regional stability and could set a dangerous benchmark for international conduct.
As tensions mount, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, urging restraint, dialogue, and respect for legal and humanitarian standards. Analysts warn that continued unilateral military actions could exacerbate humanitarian challenges and complicate efforts towards a peaceful political solution.
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