General António Guterres has voiced deep concern over the legality of the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, which took place on January 3, 2026.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in New York, Guterres stressed that the strike which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores undermines the principles of sovereignty and international peace.
“The maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all Member States to adhere to all the provisions of the Charter,” Guterres declared, underscoring that the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
The U.S. operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved more than 150 aircraft, drones, and special forces units across Caracas and northern states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. President Donald Trump described the strike as a “large-scale action” to remove Maduro, pledging to oversee Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be arranged.
Venezuela’s interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, has condemned the intervention as “military aggression” and invoked emergency powers nationwide. Regional actors, including Ghana, have also denounced the move, calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Analysts warn the invasion risks destabilizing Latin America and eroding the global rules-based order. “This is a flagrant violation of international law,” said Jean-Pierre Maulnay of France’s IRIS think tank, noting the precedent it sets for unilateral military action.
As tensions mount, Guterres urged dialogue and solidarity, emphasizing that “the power of the law must prevail” to prevent Venezuela’s crisis from spiraling into wider conflict.
