Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addresses the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.
The American operation began with nighttime strikes in and around the capital Caracas. Venezuela has declared a national emergency, with the number of casualties and extent of damage yet to be confirmed.
The Venezuelan government denounced the act of “extremely serious military aggression” by the US, which followed months of mounting tension, including a major military build-up off Venezuela’s coast and a series of deadly attacks on suspected drug smuggling boats.
The US has ordered the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers in recent weeks amid threats that it would launch land operations to force Mr Maduro from office.
Rule of law
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating in the current United States military action in the country, which has potentially worrying consequences for the region,” said a statement from UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
“Regardless of the situation in Venezuela, these developments set a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter,” the statement continued.
“He is deeply concerned that the rules of international law are not being respected.”
Mr Guterres called on all parties involved to engage in an “inclusive dialogue” in accordance with human rights and international law.
Venezuela has formally requested this Security Council to meet for an emergency hearing in New York.
President Trump will soon hold a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
More to come on this developing story…
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