UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on Saturday, January 3, 2026, following a U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the detention and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The escalation marks a dramatic turn in tensions between Washington and Caracas that have intensified over recent months.
In an official statement, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned the action “has potential worrying implications for the region,” emphasizing the need for all parties to respect international law and the UN Charter. Guterres urged immediate de-escalation and inclusive dialogue grounded in human rights principles.
The Secretary-General’s remarks highlight growing international unease over the precedent set by foreign military interventions. Analysts suggest the crisis could destabilize Latin America’s geopolitical landscape, with implications for energy markets and regional security frameworks.
Xu Dezhi, reporting from UN headquarters in New York, noted that emergency Security Council discussions are anticipated this week as member states weigh responses to the unfolding situation.
