Venezuela Seeks Emergency UN Security Council Session Over US Military Actions

On Thursday, the Venezuelan government formally requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to address recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean waters off its coast. The request was made in a letter directed to Russia’s ambassador to the U.N. and current council president, Vassily Nebenzia. In the letter, Venezuela accused the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, thereby threatening “peace, security, and stability both regionally and internationally.”

Maduro’s government expressed grave concerns, anticipating an imminent “armed attack” against Venezuela. This request for an emergency session came just a day after members of the U.S. Congress voted against legislation that would have limited Trump’s authority to employ military force against drug traffickers. Since the increase of U.S. maritime forces in the region, the military has conducted four strikes in the Caribbean, actions Trump has characterized as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

However, Maduro’s administration contends that the White House is using the pretext of drug trafficking to justify its military operations. Samuel Moncada, Venezuela’s ambassador to the U.N., articulated this sentiment in the letter, stating, “The ulterior motive remains consistent with the United States’ actions toward Venezuela for over 26 years: to advance its ‘regime change’ policies and seize control of the vast natural resources found within Venezuelan territory.”

While Venezuela’s request does not specify the nationalities of the 21 individuals reported killed in the U.S. strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, it marks a significant acknowledgment of the first attack. Initially, the Venezuelan government had expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity of a video released by Trump that showcased the military action, suggesting it may have been fabricated using artificial intelligence.

The Trump administration has asserted that three of the targeted vessels departed from Venezuelan shores.

Venezuela’s plea for a Security Council meeting has garnered support from both Russia and China, both of which hold veto power within the council. As of now, the U.N. has not issued an official response to Venezuela’s request.