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4h ago

U.S., Venezuela Clash at U.N. Over Caribbean Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats

An emergency Security Council session spotlighted calls for de-escalation under international law.

The United Nations building is pictured ahead of a General Assembly meeting in New York City, New York, U.S., February 23, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Overview

  • The United States defended recent strikes on four vessels off Venezuela that it says were carrying drugs, reporting 21 fatalities and framing the operations as self-defense in a fight against cartels.
  • Venezuela’s U.N. ambassador warned it is rational for the country to anticipate an armed attack, citing a U.S. military buildup near its coast and belligerent rhetoric from Washington.
  • U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča cautioned of mounting risks to regional peace and said the U.N. cannot independently verify U.S. claims about the targeted boats’ cargoes.
  • Russia condemned the actions as unlawful and described a shoot-first approach, while France and other members urged de-escalation and strict adherence to international and human rights law.
  • Legal and oversight pressure intensified in Washington as Democratic lawmakers questioned the strikes’ legality and Senate Republicans rejected a measure to limit President Trump’s use of force against traffickers.