US actions in Venezuela ‘constitute a dangerous precedent’: Guterres
UN News
January 3, 2026
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Summary
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm over the US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by American special forces on Saturday morning.
January 3, 2026
Click here for the article
Summary
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm over the US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by American special forces on Saturday morning.
The operation involved overnight strikes in Caracas, prompting Venezuela to declare a national emergency. President Trump announced the US intends to "run Venezuela" until a transition of power occurs and stated US oil companies would operate the country's infrastructure.
Guterres emphasized that regardless of Venezuela's internal situation, the developments constitute a dangerous precedent and stressed the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for restraint and prioritized protection of Venezuelan people. The Security Council scheduled an emergency session for Monday morning.
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock warned that peaceful coexistence requires rule of law over "might makes right." The UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela urged that accountability for documented human rights violations—including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence—must remain in focus despite the crisis, noting responsibility extends beyond Maduro to others in command positions.
Quotes
"The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today's United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region. Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent."
"The protection of the people of Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action." - Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
"A peaceful, safe and just world for everyone is only possible if the rule of law prevails instead of might makes right." - Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly
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Quotes
"The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today's United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region. Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent."
"The protection of the people of Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action." - Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
"A peaceful, safe and just world for everyone is only possible if the rule of law prevails instead of might makes right." - Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly
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