Overview
- The Security Council will convene on Jan. 5 in New York at Venezuela’s request, with the session falling early Jan. 6 in Japan time.
- Secretary‑General António Guterres voiced deep concern, urged dialogue that respects human rights and the rule of law, and warned the escalation could set a dangerous precedent and undermine international law.
- China’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the operation, South Africa called it a violation of the U.N. Charter, and Japanese political leaders criticized the action or urged adherence to the rule of law.
- The Washington Post reported that Maduro’s detention occurred hours after a meeting with a Chinese special envoy in Caracas, a timeline that has not been independently verified.
- Further reporting describes a U.S. plan designed to capture Maduro alive and notes scrutiny of potential oil interests as a motive, characterizations presented as analysis rather than confirmed facts.