Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Oct 11: Tensions escalated at the UN Security Council on Friday as the United States and Venezuela locked horns over a recent US military strike on four boats alleged to be carrying drugs. The Trump administration defended the operations, vowing to use its “full might” to eradicate drug cartels, while Venezuela warned of a possible armed attack.
Venezuela requested the emergency meeting following the strikes, which the US said killed 21 people and targeted boats that had departed from Venezuelan territory. Venezuelan UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the US of attempting to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro, calling the actions a threat to “peace, security and stability regionally and internationally.”
At the council, the US delegation, represented by Political Counsellor John Kelley, justified the strikes as self-defence against “armed, well-organised, and violent” cartels, while reiterating that the US does not recognise Maduro’s government. Kelley labelled Maduro a “narcoterrorist,” a claim the Venezuelan government denied.
Allies of Venezuela, including Russia and China, supported Caracas, while other council members urged de-escalation and adherence to the UN Charter. France emphasised the fight against drug trafficking must respect international law and human rights, warning against unilateral military action.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described Venezuela as facing “unprecedented pressure and threats of military invasion,” highlighting large-scale US operations off its coast as a threat to international peace.
Venezuela requested the council to determine the existence of a threat, adopt preventive measures, and commit members, including the US, to respecting its sovereignty. However, the US’s veto power makes such actions unlikely.
The emergency meeting comes days after Republicans in the US Senate blocked legislation that would have restricted Trump’s authority to use lethal force against drug traffickers, further intensifying the geopolitical tension in the region.