UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “deeply alarmed” after Washington’s strikes on Venezuela, his spokesman said Saturday, saying it could “constitute a dangerous precedent.”
The UN chief is “deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, adding that Guterres “calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.”
U.S. Strike
President Donald Trump said Saturday that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a “large-scale strike” on the South American country.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump said on Truth Social, around two hours after explosions rocked Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.
There was no confirmation from Venezuela’s government of the fate of the leftist Maduro, in power since 2013.
His government accused the United States of an “extremely serious military aggression” which follows a months-long campaign of increasing military and economic pressure by Trump.
Proof of life
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez on Saturday called on the United States to issue “proof of life” of leader Nicolas Maduro, who was captured by U.S. forces, according to President Donald Trump.
Speaking by telephone to Venezuelan TV, Rodriguez said she did not know the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of U.S. strikes on Caracas and other cities.
Trump said Maduro and Flores had been captured by U.S. forces and flown out of Venezuela.
Russia also demanded “immediate” clarification about the circumstances of the reported U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during an attack ordered by Trump.
Russia, Iran and other countries had also condemned the U.S. strike, with Spain offering to mediate for a peaceful settlement.
The PUNCH