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Add to Preferred SourcesThe United Nations (UN) warned of mounting risks to regional peace after US military strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking killed at least 21 people in the southern Caribbean, prompting Venezuela to declare a state of emergency and condemn the attacks as violations of international law.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča briefed Security Council ambassadors on the crisis, saying US operations conducted between September 2 and October 3 have raised tensions and drawn sharp criticism from Caracas. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro mobilized 4.5 million members of the Bolivarian Militia to support armed forces after the strikes. The first attack on September 2 reportedly killed 11 people, with subsequent operations bringing total fatalities to 21. The exact locations of the incidents haven’t been publicly disclosed, and the UN cannot independently verify these reports.
Washington defended its actions as consistent with laws governing armed conflict and necessary to protect American citizens from illegal drugs flowing from South and Central America. A White House spokesperson said “the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict” to protect the US “from those trying to bring deadly poison” to its shores. US authorities said the strikes targeted vessels in international waters carrying illegal drugs bound for the United States. But Venezuelan officials view the military operations as provocative attacks on their sovereignty that go beyond counternarcotics efforts.
Venezuelan authorities announced they remain on high alert since US military deployments were first reported in August. Caracas has also reported overflights by US fighter jets near its shores and detention of a fishing boat in Venezuelan waters. Washington said two Venezuelan military aircraft flew over a US Navy vessel in international waters. Venezuela’s UN representative wrote to the Security Council on October 9, stating that the “ulterior purpose” of US actions continues to be to “advance its policies of regime change.” The escalating accusations show how quickly the situation has deteriorated between the two countries.
Jenča stressed that efforts to counter drug trafficking “must be carried out in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter” and that any use of force in countering illicit trafficking must respect human rights standards. He acknowledged that “the United Nations recognizes the devastating impact of violence driven by transnational organized crime, which affects production, transit, and destination countries alike.” The UN official called for all efforts to counter transnational organized crime to be conducted according to international law while supporting affected communities.
The UN has repeatedly called on both parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through peaceful means. Jenča said the UN would continue to support diplomatic dialogue and measures to prevent further escalation, calling on both Washington and Caracas to prioritize de-escalation and constructive engagement. The crisis reflects broader tensions in the region as countries struggle to balance security concerns with respect for sovereignty and international law in fighting drug trafficking.