Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Criticizes US Military Actions
In a recent session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Venezuela’s UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, voiced strong objections to US military strikes and a naval blockade targeting Venezuela. He highlighted what he described as the continental ambitions of the United States, asserting that this aggressive stance represents more than just a conflict over Venezuela—it is part of a broader strategy aimed at destabilizing much of Latin America.
Claims of Continental Ambitions
During the UNSC meeting, Moncada emphasized that the ambitions of the US extend far beyond the borders of Venezuela. “It’s not just about Venezuela. The ambition is continental,” he stated. He referenced the US National Security Strategy, which he claimed indicates that the continent’s future is perceived as belonging to the United States.
Moncada warned that Venezuela is merely the first target in a larger scheme: “We want to alert the world that the US government seeks to divide us so they can conquer us piece by piece.”
Escalation of Tensions
The Venezuelan government had earlier called for the UNSC to convene in response to what it described as “ongoing US aggression.” This escalation began in September, following US airstrikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The US government asserted that these vessels were engaged in drug trafficking, a claim that has been made without any presented evidence.
According to reports, these military actions have resulted in over 105 fatalities, with many legal experts and Latin American leaders condemning the killings as “extrajudicial.” However, the US maintains that these measures are necessary to combat drug flow into the country.
Legal Violations
Moncada accused the Trump administration of breaching both international law and US domestic laws by undertaking military actions without congressional approval, which is mandated for formal declarations of war. He described Trump’s recent naval blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers as an overt military maneuver intending to suffocate the Venezuelan economy.
“Today, the masks have come off. It is not drugs, it is not security, it is not freedom. It is oil, it is mines and it is land,” Moncada asserted.
Allegations of Theft
Moncada further claimed that US forces have seized Venezuelan oil tankers and confiscated millions of barrels of oil, characterizing these actions as a “robbery executed by military force.” In contrast, the US has defended its blockade as a lawful enforcement operation, maintained by the coastguard, which is authorized to board vessels under US sanctions. However, such a blockade is regarded as an act of war under international law.
The US Position
US envoy Mike Waltz addressed the UNSC, referring to drug cartels in Latin America as the “single most serious threat.” He assured that Trump would exert the full force of the US to combat them, citing the link between Venezuelan oil and the funding of these cartels. “Sanctioned oil tankers serve as the main economic lifeline for Maduro and his illegitimate regime,” he explained.
Accusations and International Reactions
The White House has previously identified several drug cartels, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the so-called “Cartel de los Soles,” allegedly led by Maduro, as terrorism-linked organizations. Maduro, for his part, has dismissed these allegations, claiming they are a facade for US-led efforts aimed at orchestrating regime change.
In the same session, Russia’s ambassador to the UN expressed concerns that US intervention could set a dangerous precedent for future actions against Latin American nations. Similarly, China’s ambassador warned that the US’s activities seriously infringe on Venezuela’s sovereignty and legitimate rights.
Conclusion
The situation between Venezuela and the United States remains tense, as allegations of aggression and overreach continue to surface in international forums. The accusations made by Venezuela’s UN ambassador reflect broader fears of US interventionism in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Venezuela’s UN ambassador accuses the US of having continental ambitions beyond Venezuela.
- Claims of US military actions resulting in over 105 fatalities have sparked outrage.
- Moncada argues that the US actions violate both international laws and domestic regulations.
- International reactions include warnings from Russia and China regarding US interventions.