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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency session on January 5, 2026, following a dramatic U.S. military operation in Venezuela over the weekend that resulted in the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro.

The session was convened amid widespread concern that the action violated international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the operation as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens the foundations of international law and the UN Charter. “What is less certain is the immediate future of Venezuela,” Guterres said, warning of the risk of regional instability and a potential escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.

The military operation, carried out on Saturday, involved coordinated air and ground strikes across Caracas and northern states, including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.

U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transported them to New York to face prosecution on drug and weapons trafficking charges.

Maduro entered a plea of not guilty during his first appearance in a Manhattan courthouse, insisting he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela and rejecting all accusations.

US Justifies Operation, Trump Issues Threats

The U.S. defended the operation as a “surgical law enforcement action.” Mike Waltz, U.S. envoy to the UN, said the mission targeted a “narco-terrorist” and accused critics in the Security Council of equating Maduro with democratically elected leaders.

President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that Washington now controls Venezuela’s political future, warning that further military measures could follow if resistance continues, and extending threats toward neighboring Colombia and Mexico.

The U.S. military action drew swift condemnation from several Security Council members. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya called it “a turn back to the era of lawlessness,” arguing that the United States cannot unilaterally decide who to arrest or punish in another country.

Danish Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen emphasized that “no state should seek to influence political outcomes in Venezuela through the use of threat of force or other means inconsistent with international law,” echoing Guterres’ concerns about the inviolability of national borders. Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata described the raid as “the worst interference in our area in the past,” emphasizing that democracy cannot be promoted through coercion.

Venezuelan Response

Venezuelan officials called the operation a blatant violation of sovereignty. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez urged Washington to respect international norms and called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship. She stressed that Venezuela remains committed to dialogue but warned that peace and stability cannot be imposed through military force.

Venezuelan authorities are pursuing international legal avenues to secure Maduro’s release and hold those responsible accountable.

🚨🇻🇪 Venezuela’s UN envoy says the country is targeted for its resources and geopolitics, urging the UNSC to demand the US release Nicolas Maduro pic.twitter.com/22ifbduCkE

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 5, 2026

The emergency session highlighted the broader implications of unilateral military interventions. Guterres underscored that respect for international law must guide all responses, emphasizing the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Trump’s statements about controlling Venezuela’s oil reserves and potential actions against Colombia and Mexico were swiftly rejected by both countries, which reaffirmed their sovereignty and condemned the U.S. threats. Analysts warn the crisis could have far-reaching consequences for Latin America and global stability if the situation deteriorates further.

Legal proceedings against Maduro are expected to continue in the coming days, with his defense challenging U.S. jurisdiction and arguing that the charges are politically motivated. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, concerned that the normalization of extraterritorial military actions could destabilize global norms.

Call for Inclusive Dialogue and Respect for Law

The Security Council session, attended by representatives from the U.S., Russia, Denmark, Colombia, and other member states, reflects the growing international debate over sovereignty, the use of force, and the future of Venezuela.

Guterres concluded by stressing that “the power of the law must prevail” and that international tools exist to address issues ranging from illicit trafficking to human rights disputes without resorting to coercion or violence.