Muhammed Yasin Güngör
03 January 2026•Update: 03 January 2026
ISTANBUL
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm Saturday over US military action in Venezuela, warning that the escalation could have serious implications for the region and international order.
“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,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” he added.
Guterres stressed the importance of full respect for international law, including the UN Charter, expressing concern that fundamental legal norms may not have been upheld.
He called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in “inclusive dialogue” and urged respect for human rights and the rule of law as a means to resolve the crisis peacefully.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike on his social media platform Truth Social, claiming Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.
Venezuela said the US attacked civilian and military installations in multiple states and declared a national emergency. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced Venezuela requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting following the attacks.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife have been indicted in New York.
The strikes came after months of tension as the US accused Maduro of drug trafficking involvement. Venezuela denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.
