The United Nations called for moderation on Thursday after a sequence of US air and naval operations targeted alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the southern Caribbean, escalating diplomatic tensions with Venezuela. The actions, which began in early September, were discussed in a recent UN Security Council meeting where concerns about regional peace and adherence to international law were highlighted.

Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča expressed that the UN could not independently verify the US claims about the targets of their strikes. Jenča emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the region and adhered to the principles of the UN Charter in counter-narcotics missions. He stated, “mounting risks to regional peace,” and called for all involved parties to “exercise restraint.”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, under President Donald Trump's directive, has launched a new “counter-narcotics Joint Task Force.” Hegseth defended the operations on social media, stating, “if you traffic drugs toward our shores, we will stop you cold.” This hardline stance is part of a broader strategy to intensify efforts against drug trafficking near Venezuelan waters.

However, these strikes have not been without controversy. UN human rights experts have criticized one particular strike, arguing it violated the right to life and could constitute an extrajudicial killing. They pointed out that lethal force should only be used when there is an imminent threat, and called for a full, independent investigation into these incidents.

The response in Venezuela has been one of alarm and condemnation. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has described the strikes as “heinous crimes” and hinted at the possibility of declaring a state of emergency to mobilize the armed forces in defense of the nation's sovereignty. Maduro has accused the US of using these operations as a façade for regime change, citing the recent naval build-up as evidence of Washington's ulterior motives.

As the situation develops, international eyes remain closely on the unfolding events, hoping for a resolution that respects international norms and human rights. The global community watches as the balance between enforcing drug laws and maintaining diplomatic relations is tested in this volatile region.