Venezuela’s government has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address recent U.S. military operations near its shores. In a letter to Russia’s ambassador and current council president, Vassily Nebenzia, Caracas accused the Trump administration of trying to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro and threatening “peace, security and stability regionally and internationally.”
Fears of Imminent Armed Attack
Maduro’s government warned of a potential “armed attack” in the “very short time,” pointing to U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. Since increasing its maritime presence, the U.S. has conducted four deadly strikes against boats it says were transporting drugs. Congress recently rejected legislation that would have limited Trump’s military authority in the region.
Venezuela Accuses U.S. of Regime Change Agenda
Venezuelan ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, wrote that Washington is using drug trafficking as a pretext. He argued the “ulterior motive” is to advance regime change policies and seize control of Venezuela’s natural resources.
Acknowledgment of Attacks
For the first time, Venezuela officially recognized the first of the four U.S. strikes, which it initially dismissed as fabricated. The Trump administration said three of the targeted boats departed from Venezuela. Russia, a longtime ally of the Maduro government, is expected to play a central role in the Security Council discussion.
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