However, the US has rejected allegations that it is at war with Venezuela and its citizens. During a briefing at the United Nations Security Council, the US representative emphasized that their actions were not directed at the Venezuelan people or sovereignty.
In addressing the council, the US rep said, “We are not at war with Venezuela or its people, and we do not seek to seize control.” However, this was met with severe criticism from a number of nations. The US rep was addressing the council following the recent military intervention.
The diplomat pointed out that a preference for diplomacy had been expressed by President Donald Trump before any kind of forceful action was taken, and that “Caracas was provided alternative paths” to mitigate the tensions. “Diplomacy was given a chance, options were placed on the table for the Maduro government, and an effort was made to reduce tensions,” added the US diplomat.
These statements came against the backdrop of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, expressing concern over the conduct of the military action and pointing that international law had not been observed in its entirety. Some members also supported this concern when they warned that unilateral action will continue to destabilize that region.
In response to Washington’s position, the US Envoy said that the administration is not going to retreat on any efforts it believes is necessary to protect American citizens from what it terms ‘narco-terrorism.’ ‘Our government will not relax efforts to protect Americans from drug-related terrorism,’ said the US Envoy while reaffirming continued support for ‘peace, freedom, and justice’ within Venezuela.
The tensions were heightened due to the operations conducted by American forces on the 3rd of January, whereby Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested together with his wife. They were later transferred to New York, where they are detained at a federal facility
The US authorities have confirmed that charges against Maduro include drug trafficking and terrorism. Maduro has stood trial in the US courts, which is a clear breakthrough in the impasse that has been ongoing between the US and Venezuelan governments.
