New York, January 4: The United Nations Security Council will meet in emergency session on Monday to discuss the recent United States military action in Venezuela and the detention of former leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The meeting is scheduled for 10 am local time and will be held under the agenda item “Threats to international peace and security.” Somalia, which is serving as the rotating president of the 15-member Security Council for January, confirmed the timing through its permanent mission to the United Nations.
Calls for an urgent discussion at the UN followed growing international concern over Washington’s actions in Venezuela. Colombian President Gustavo Petro was among the first to seek a Security Council meeting, voicing strong opposition to the US operation and describing it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. He cautioned against foreign military intervention in Latin America, stressing that internal political conflicts should be resolved by the people of the country concerned.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that American forces had carried out what he described as a large-scale operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Maduro and his wife and their removal from the country. Trump later shared images and videos on social media platforms showing Maduro in US custody, including visuals from a US naval vessel and footage of him in handcuffs during his transfer.
The developments triggered a response from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed serious concern over the situation. Through his spokesperson, Guterres warned that such actions could destabilise the region and underscored the need for all parties to respect international law and adhere to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s Supreme Court issued an order directing Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the powers of acting president. The court stated that Maduro was unable to carry out his duties due to what it termed a “material and temporary impossibility,” according to reports.
The upcoming Security Council meeting is expected to see intense debate, with member states holding sharply differing views as international reactions continue to emerge over the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela.
