Venezuela Condemns U.S. Strikes, Calls on U.N. to Uphold Sovereignty

Venezuela has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to declare recent U.S. military strikes off its coast illegal and to issue a statement defending the South American nation’s sovereignty. The request came in a letter from Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada, obtained by Reuters, following deadly attacks that Caracas says killed at least 27 civilians aboard “civilian vessels transiting international waters.”

According to the letter, the Venezuelan government urged the council to investigate the strikes and reaffirm respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all states. The appeal follows a significant U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean ordered by President Donald Trump, whose administration claimed the targeted vessels were involved in drug trafficking. However, no supporting evidence has been presented publicly.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of being authorized to “kill, overthrow, and destroy countries,” calling the operations a direct attack on Venezuela’s peace and stability. “Our people are clear, united, and aware. They will once again defeat this open conspiracy against peace,” Maduro said in a televised address.

Despite Venezuela’s appeal, the Security Council is unlikely to take action due to the United States’ veto power. The council previously convened on the issue at the request of Venezuela, Russia, and China. In defense, the U.S. cited Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which allows nations to act in self-defense against armed attacks.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz emphasized Washington’s stance, stating that President Trump “will use intelligence, defense, and diplomacy to defend U.S. sovereignty.” He added that the strikes were lawful acts of self-defense under the same U.N. provisions.