Guterres: Escalation in Venezuela is dangerous precedent & international law must be respected

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern today, Saturday, over the recent escalation in Venezuela, which culminated in U.S. military action.

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson said in a post on X, as reported by the Yemeni News Agency SABA: “Regardless of the situation in Venezuela, these developments set a dangerous precedent.”

He added: “The Secretary-General continues to stress the importance of full respect for international law, including the UN Charter, by all parties.”

He continued: “Guterres emphasizes that this serious development has worrying implications for the region, and the Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the disregard for international law.”

He further stated: “The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in comprehensive dialogue, with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.”

Explosions shook the center of the Venezuelan capital Caracas today, Saturday, accompanied by the flight of warplanes and rising columns of smoke following U.S. airstrikes.

Earlier today, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, claiming they had been taken out of the country.

Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social: “The United States has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, with U.S. law enforcement authorities participating in the operation,” he claimed.