UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over what he described as a dramatic and dangerous escalation of the situation in Venezuela, following reports of a US military operation and the alleged capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres warned that the developments risk setting a troubling international precedent and could further destabilise the region.
“These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” Dujarric said at a UN press briefing. “The Secretary-General continues to emphasise the importance of full respect — by all — of international law, including the UN Charter. He is deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.”
The UN chief stressed that respect for sovereignty, due process and the peaceful resolution of disputes remains fundamental to global stability, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Guterres urged all Venezuelan actors to avoid further escalation and to prioritise political solutions over military action.
“The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law,” Dujarric said, adding that any sustainable resolution to the crisis must be Venezuelan-led and grounded in democratic principles.
The UN has repeatedly called for negotiations between the Venezuelan government, opposition groups and international stakeholders, warning that continued confrontation risks worsening the humanitarian situation facing millions of Venezuelans.
International law concerns mount
The secretary-general’s comments come amid growing unease among diplomats in New York, many of whom fear that the reported operation — if confirmed — could undermine established norms governing state sovereignty and the treatment of sitting heads of state.
Several UN member states are said to be seeking urgent consultations, while discussions are under way about a possible emergency meeting of the Security Council to address the unfolding crisis.
As of Friday, the United Nations said it was still seeking independent clarification of events on the ground, underscoring the fluid and uncertain nature of the situation.
“The priority now,” Dujarric said, “is de-escalation, protection of civilians, and a return to dialogue in line with the principles of the UN Charter.”
