Venezuela Calls on UN to Condemn U.S. Strikes, Accuses Washington of Violating Sovereignty

Venezuela has formally requested the United Nations Security Council to determine that recent U.S. military strikes on vessels off its coast are illegal and to issue a statement reaffirming Venezuela’s sovereignty, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday.

In a letter dated Wednesday, Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the United States of killing at least 27 people in attacks on what he described as civilian vessels in international waters. Moncada urged the Security Council to investigate the strikes and "reaffirm the principle of unrestricted respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of states, including Venezuela."

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Venezuelan Leadership Response

Speaking in Caracas, President Nicolas Maduro condemned U.S. actions and claimed the CIA had been authorized to conduct operations aimed at destabilizing Venezuela.

"The CIA has long been linked to coups around the world, but no previous government publicly stated it ordered the killing, overthrow, and destruction of countries," Maduro said. He added that Venezuelans were united and prepared to resist any conspiracy against the nation’s peace and stability.

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U.S. Defense and Security Position

The United States, which holds veto power on the Security Council, defended its actions. At a recent council meeting requested by Venezuela, Russia, and China, the U.S. cited Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which allows countries to act in self-defense against armed attacks.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would continue to use the intelligence community, the Defense Department, and diplomacy to protect American sovereignty and citizens.

"Venezuela can bring whatever they want to the U.N., but Article 51 enables a country to defend itself. That’s what President Trump is doing," Waltz stated.

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Regional and Global Implications

The U.S. military has been conducting operations in the southern Caribbean, targeting vessels it claims are involved in drug trafficking, though no evidence has been publicly provided. Venezuela’s appeal to the Security Council highlights rising tensions in the Caribbean and raises questions about international maritime law and sovereignty.