Venezuela Crisis: UN Chief Raises Concerns Over US Military Move

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed serious worry about the recent US military action in Venezuela. This action, according to Guterres, sets a worrying example for other nations. The UN Security Council is likely to discuss this issue soon, as requested by Venezuela and Colombia, with support from Russia and China. Guterres' spokesperson emphasized the importance of following international law and the UN Charter. He highlighted that the recent events have not respected these rules. This is not the first time the UN Security Council has met to discuss tensions between the US and Venezuela. Previous meetings were held in October and December.Venezuela's UN Ambassador, Samuel Moncada, strongly condemned the US action. He described it as a deadly and sneaky attack on a peaceful country. Moncada warned that this could have serious consequences for regional and global peace. He also accused the US of violating the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against any state's territorial integrity or political independence. The US has been active in the region for months. They have targeted suspected drug trafficking boats and increased their military presence. Last month, the US announced a blockade on vessels subject to US sanctions, intercepting two tankers loaded with Venezuelan crude. The US justified its actions as self-defense, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, defended the US action on social media. He claimed that it was not about regime change but about justice. Waltz described Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as an indicted and illegitimate dictator, responsible for killing American citizens.