UNITED NATIONS (MNN); The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency session on Monday amid growing international concern over the United States’ military action in Venezuela, with several countries warning that the crisis has gone beyond bilateral tensions and now threatens regional and global stability.
The meeting was requested by Colombia and backed by China and Russia, while Venezuela has also formally appealed to the Council. According to the Council presidency, the session will be held under the agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security,” and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is expected to brief members.
On Saturday, Secretary General Guterres expressed deep alarm over the escalation in Venezuela, warning that the US military action could undermine the foundations of international law and set a dangerous precedent. In a statement issued through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said the latest developments were deeply worrying for the region, regardless of the internal situation in Venezuela.
He stressed that full respect for international law and the UN Charter was essential and voiced concern that established legal principles had not been observed. The secretary general cautioned that departures from these rules weaken the rules-based international order and could encourage similar actions elsewhere.
The emergency meeting reflects a growing view among UN members that the crisis now poses broader risks to international peace and security. The US operation, carried out overnight on Saturday, represents the most direct American military intervention in Latin America in decades. Washington has described the action as a necessary step against an authoritarian leader accused of criminal and narco-terrorism activities.
US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the operation and said the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” takes place. However, many governments argue that the manner in which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was removed is the core issue, rather than his political record.
Venezuela has strongly condemned the US action, calling it a violation of sovereignty and an act of aggression. In a letter to the Security Council, Venezuela’s UN ambassador said the operation amounted to a colonial-style war aimed at imposing external control and exploiting the country’s natural resources, including its vast oil reserves.
China and Russia have also reacted sharply. Beijing said it was deeply shocked by the use of force against a sovereign country and warned that such actions violate international law and threaten peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. Moscow described the operation as armed aggression, insisting that Venezuela must be allowed to determine its own future without external military interference.
Diplomats expect sharp divisions during the Security Council debate, with little chance of a unified outcome due to likely vetoes. Still, officials say the discussion will be significant in shaping future interpretations of international law and the limits of unilateral military action.
