UN Experts Warn U.S. Secret Military Actions Against Venezuela Violate International Law

United Nations experts warned on Tuesday that secret operations reportedly conducted by the United States, along with its threats to use armed force against Caracas, constitute a “violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and the UN Charter.”

The warning comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military campaign that he said aimed to curb the flow of narcotics from Latin America into the United States.

In a joint statement, three independent UN human rights experts said the reported U.S. operations “also breach fundamental international obligations of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states and the prohibition on the threat or use of armed force.” They cautioned that such actions represent “an extremely dangerous escalation with serious repercussions for peace and security in the Caribbean region.”

Since September, at least six vessels — mostly speedboats — have been struck in U.S. attacks in the Caribbean Sea, leaving at least 27 people dead. However, Washington has not provided evidence proving that the victims were drug traffickers.

The UN experts, who are mandated by the Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the organization, stressed that “even if these allegations were accurate, the use of lethal force in international waters without a sound legal basis violates international maritime law and could amount to extrajudicial executions.”

They also noted that groups such as Tren de Aragua, which Trump labeled a “terrorist organization,” have not attacked the United States — meaning Washington cannot invoke “the right of self-defense” under international law.

“The preparations for a covert or direct military operation against another sovereign state represent an even graver breach of the UN Charter,” the experts said.

Trump had earlier claimed that he authorized covert operations by the CIA against Venezuela, though he did not disclose details. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused Washington of plotting to overthrow his government.

“The long history of foreign interventions in Latin America must not be repeated,” the experts urged. “The international community must stand firmly for the rule of law, dialogue, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”