Widespread international criticism was directed at the US during a hastily convened United Nations Security Council gathering, with numerous countries describing its latest operation in Venezuela a "act of aggression."
Diverse Coalition of Nations Expresses Firm Objection
Nations including Brazil, Beijing, Russia, and South Africa to Mexico City, Spain, Havana, and Bogotá jointly denounced the action to conduct deadly attacks and capture the South American country's president, President Maduro, along with his spouse, First Lady Flores.
"The bombings on national soil and the seizure of its head of state transgress an impermissible line," declared the Brazilian representative to the UN. "These acts represent a very serious affront to the national sovereignty of Venezuela and set an immensely dangerous precedent for the entire global community."
Juridical Justification Fiercely Debated
In response, the US envoy justified the action as a legitimate "law enforcement" action aimed at executing long-standing legal indictments against what was termed an "illegitimate" ruler, emphatically stating it was in no way an act of war.
Yet, the United Nations Secretary-General cautioned that the capture risked escalating instability in Venezuela and the broader area. He raised doubts about whether the operation respected the principles of international law.
"I remain profoundly concerned about the potential escalation of unrest in the nation, the potential effect on the region, and the example it may set for how interactions between nations are carried out," the message read.
Veto-Wielding Security Council Members Issue Blunt Rebukes
Moscow's representative characterized the action as "a turn back to the era of lawlessness" and urged the council to reject such tactics. "We must not permit the US to declare itself as a form of a ultimate judge," the diplomat added.
Similarly, China representative charged the US of having "recklessly violated Venezuela's independence" and violated the tenet of sovereign equality. "No nation can serve as the global police force," the China's diplomat said.
Havana's ambassador was more direct, labeling the attack "a colonialist and authoritarian aggression with objectives of control."
Caracas Labels Operation a "Abduction"
The Venezuelan own UN envoy told the meeting that the US had executed an "unlawful armed attack without any legal basis," which included "the abduction of the constitutional president."
"No nation can position itself as a court, prosecutor and enforcer of the world order ... Venezuela is the target of this aggression because of its resource wealth," the diplomat added.
Security Council Deadlock Amid Deep Rifts
Despite the forceful language, the Security Council was paralysed by disagreements among its most powerful members. Any move to officially condemn the United States is certain to be vetoed by its own veto power, underscoring the body's limited capacity for collective action in the wake of such a crisis.
Legal experts have noted the operation lacked Security Council authorisation, local consent, or a clear self-defense justification, putting it in possible violation of the UN Charter which requires states to avoid the threat or use of force.
