UN Security Council Grapples with Venezuela Crisis as Guterres Insists ‘Power of the Law Must Prevail’ After US Military Action
United Nations, New York – The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Monday amid escalating tensions in Venezuela following a bold U.S. military operation that ousted President Nicolás Maduro, prompting Secretary-General António Guterres to declare that “the power of the law must prevail.”
US Operation Sparks Global Alarm
The crisis intensified on January 3 when U.S. forces launched targeted operations across Caracas and northern states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, resulting in the removal of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from power. Venezuelan officials reported at least 80 deaths, including civilians, in what they described as “brutal, unjustified, and unilateral armed attacks.”[1]
Venezuela’s government, now led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, invoked an emergency decree granting expanded security powers. The nation formally requested the Security Council meeting via letter S/2026/5, accusing the U.S. of violating Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against a state’s territorial integrity or political independence. Caracas reserved its right to self-defense under Article 51.[1]
Secretary-General Guterres, speaking through Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, addressed the Council in grave terms: “We meet at a grave time following the 3 January United States military action in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.” He warned of “deepening instability, regional repercussions and a dangerous precedent for relations among States,” stressing that “respect for international law must remain the guiding principle.”[2][3]
“The rules of international law have not been respected.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres[3]
Council Briefing Highlights Divisions
The open briefing under the “Threats to international peace and security” agenda featured DiCarlo’s readout on Guterres’ behalf, alongside briefings from two civil society representatives—one selected by the U.S., another by China and Russia. Participating nations under Rule 37 included Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico.[1]
Guterres contextualized the events against Venezuela’s “decades of internal instability and social and economic turmoil,” where democracy has eroded and millions have fled as refugees. “The situation is critical, but it is still possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration,” he urged, calling for “inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future,” rooted in human rights, rule of law, and sovereign will.[2][3]
International Reactions and Precedent Concerns
Guterres’ January 3 statement expressed deep alarm over the escalation, noting its “potential worrying implications for the region” and constituting a “dangerous precedent.” He reiterated the need for full respect of the UN Charter by all parties.[1][4]
UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk echoed calls for restraint, emphasizing that “the protection of the people of Venezuela is paramount.” The UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, chaired by Marta Valiñas, voiced concerns over ongoing human rights abuses, insisting accountability for “grave human rights violations and crimes against humanity” must not be overshadowed.[4]
On the U.S. side, President Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago on January 4, declared intentions to “run Venezuela” until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” occurs. U.S. representatives at the UN highlighted reports from human rights organizations documenting abuses under Maduro.[5]
| Entity | Position |
|---|---|
| UN Secretary-General Guterres | Urges dialogue, respect for international law |
| Venezuela (Interim Pres. Rodríguez) | Condemns US ‘aggression,’ invokes self-defense |
| US | Justifies action citing Maduro regime abuses |
| China/Russia | Support Venezuela’s meeting request |
Historical Context and Regional Ripples
Tensions trace back to mid-August 2025, discussed in prior Council sessions. Venezuela’s woes—hyperinflation, shortages, and political repression—have displaced over 7 million people, per UN estimates. The U.S. operation followed seizures of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and threats of ground incursions.[4]
Regional powers like Colombia requested the meeting, while Brazil and others monitor closely. Guterres’ invocation of the UN Charter’s “bedrock principle prohibiting the use of force” underscores fears of broader instability.[3]
Path Forward Uncertain
As the Council deliberates, divisions are evident: Western members may back U.S. aims to end Maduro’s rule, while Russia and China decry interventionism. Guterres’ plea for dialogue offers a slim hope amid reports of continued unrest.
The UN chief’s core message resonates: In a world of fragile norms, “the power of the law must prevail.” Whether Venezuelan actors heed this call remains to be seen, as the Americas braces for fallout from this unprecedented U.S. foray.
This article synthesizes reports from UN sources and Security Council proceedings. Casualty figures and operational details are preliminary and contested.