January 3, 2026 | New York / Caracas — Dalena Reporters
NEW YORK — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong condemnation on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in response to the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, declaring that the sudden escalation including reported strikes around Caracas and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces constitutes a “dangerous precedent” for international relations and global stability.
In an official statement delivered by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres voiced deep alarm at developments that, he said, “have potential worrying implications for the region” and the world order. The Secretary-General emphasised that full respect for international law including the UN Charter and the rules governing the use of force must be upheld by all member states, and expressed concern that these legal norms appear not to have been respected in the Venezuelan operation.
Guterres’ statement underscored his belief that unilateral military actions against sovereign nations risk undermining the very foundations of the post-World War II international legal framework, designed to prevent the unrestrained use of force and safeguard global peace. He urged all parties directly involved in the Venezuelan crisis to commit to inclusive dialogue, placing human rights and the rule of law at the centre of efforts to resolve the rapidly unfolding tensions.
The UN chief’s remarks came as Venezuela formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, where diplomats and representatives from Latin America, Africa and other regions are expected to debate the legality and repercussions of the U.S. intervention. The request highlights widespread global concern over potential violations of the UN Charter’s prohibition on the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Guterres’ warning reflects broader international unease with the U.S. action, as numerous governments and multilateral organisations have similarly criticised the strike as a breach of international norms and a potential catalyst for further instability in Latin America and beyond. Critics argue that such bold foreign interventions could erode trust in diplomatic mechanisms and weaken the established architecture for conflict resolution.
As reactions continue to unfold, the United Nations under Guterres’ leadership — appears poised to play a central role in global deliberations over the Venezuelan crisis and the wider implications of military intervention without broad international consensus or Security Council authorisation.