UN Human Rights Chief Warns Against Strikes in Venezuela

(MENAFN) The UN’s human rights chief expressed deep concern on Saturday over the situation in Venezuela following US military strikes and the reported capture of the country’s president and first lady.

"Volker Turk alarmed by U.S. intervention in Venezuela. We urge everyone to exercise restraint and fully respect the UN Charter and international human rights law," the human rights office stated in a post on the social media platform X.

The office further stressed that "the protection of people in Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action."

Earlier in the day, Venezuela’s authorities accused the US of targeting civilian and military sites across several states, prompting the declaration of a national emergency.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that the US had conducted a "large scale" strike, announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country."

These developments followed months of mounting US pressure on Maduro, whom Washington accuses of involvement in drug trafficking. Maduro rejected the allegations, insisting he was not a cartel leader and had shown willingness to engage in dialogue.

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said officials were "unaware" of Maduro’s location and demanded that the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.

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