The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces has triggered one of the most serious international crises in the Western Hemisphere in decades, prompting the United Nations Secretary-General to warn that the operation may constitute an “act of aggression” under international law.

Maduro arrived under heavy security at a federal courthouse in New York City on Saturday, where he faces a sweeping array of U.S. charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also taken into custody. Both have denied all allegations.

The arrests followed a large-scale U.S. military operation in Caracas, ordered by President Donald Trump, which resulted in Maduro’s removal from power. The Venezuelan Supreme Court quickly named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president, plunging the country into political uncertainty and regional tension.

Speaking before an emergency session of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the implications of the U.S. intervention.

“I am deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the dangerous precedent this may set for how relations between states are conducted,” Guterres said in remarks delivered by U.N. political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo.

The UN chief emphasized the need for inclusive, democratic dialogue among Venezuelan political actors and reiterated the organization’s willingness to support a peaceful resolution. He also questioned whether the U.S. operation complied with the rules of international law, a statement that has intensified debate over the legality of unilateral military action.

The emergency meeting was requested by Colombia, which strongly condemned the U.S. action. Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres delivered one of the sharpest rebukes.

“There is no justification whatsoever, under any circumstances, for the unilateral use of force to commit an act of aggression,” she told the council, calling the operation a clear violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Legal scholars echoed those concerns, noting that the operation lacked:

Under the U.N. Charter, member states are prohibited from using force against the political independence of another country, except in narrowly defined circumstances.

Despite mounting criticism, the United States remains shielded from formal U.N. sanctions. As a permanent Security Council member, Washington holds veto power, allowing it to block any binding resolution against its actions.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the operation by invoking Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which recognizes the inherent right to individual or collective self-defense.

The Trump administration argues that Venezuela’s alleged role in international drug trafficking and regional destabilization posed a direct threat to U.S. national security. President Trump has warned that additional strikes could follow if Venezuela fails to:

Trump also issued stark warnings to Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba, suggesting that broader regional action remains on the table.