The UN Security Council convened an emergency session this week to address escalating tensions in Venezuela following a U.S. military operation on January 3 that forcibly removed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from the country. Colombia requested the meeting amid concerns over the operation’s large-scale strikes in Caracas and the transfer of the Venezuelan leader to New York.
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Council on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned of risks including “instability in Venezuela, regional repercussions, and precedents undermining state sovereignty.” Guterres emphasized that the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against sovereign states and called for adherence to international law.
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Guterres urged restraint to prevent broader escalation. “All Venezuelan actors must engage in inclusive dialogue to determine their future,” he stated, appealing to neighboring nations and the international community to prioritize peaceful coexistence.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution. The Council’s discussion highlights deepening global divisions over interventionist policies, with analysts noting potential implications for Latin American geopolitics in 2026.
