Venezuela Accuses US of ‘Undeclared War,’ Calls for UN Investigation

Photo: AFP

Venezuela has accused the United States of waging an “undeclared war” in the Caribbean. The country is demanding a United Nations investigation into recent US strikes that have killed over a dozen people on boats. The US says these attacks targeted drug traffickers, but Caracas strongly disagrees and claims civilians may have been harmed.

According to Venezuela’s Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, US actions in the Caribbean involve killings without a fair trial. He said, “It is an undeclared war, and you can already see how people, whether or not they are drug traffickers, have been executed in the Caribbean Sea. Executed without the right to a defense.”

The US has sent warships to international waters near Venezuela and deployed F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Washington calls this an anti-drug operation. President Donald Trump recently announced another strike on a boat, saying three more alleged “narcoterrorists” were killed. This brought the total number of deaths in the past few weeks to 17. However, Trump did not give clear details about when the attack happened or provide full evidence that those on the boats were actually involved in drug trafficking.

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab condemned the strikes, saying, “The use of missiles and nuclear weapons to murder defenseless fishermen on a small boat are crimes against humanity that must be investigated by the UN.” This statement highlights Venezuela’s strong opposition to US military actions and its call for international oversight.

Venezuela is taking the threat seriously. The country recently launched three days of military exercises on the Caribbean island of La Orchila. This move came after US naval forces, including seven ships and a nuclear-powered submarine, operated in the region. La Orchila is close to the area where the US recently stopped and held a Venezuelan fishing vessel for eight hours.

President Nicolas Maduro, whom the US does not recognize as legitimate, has called on Venezuelan citizens to join militia training to defend the country. He also announced that troops would provide weapons training to residents in low-income neighborhoods. Maduro believes the US may be planning an invasion to replace his government and control Venezuela’s oil resources. He called US actions an “imperial plan for regime change” and warned that Caracas will defend itself against any foreign aggression.

Even some Venezuelan opposition leaders are concerned about the crisis. Henrique Capriles, a former presidential candidate and critic of Maduro, said he does not support any US invasion. He emphasized that the solution should be political, not military. Capriles also called for the release of nearly a thousand political dissidents and urged the government to engage positively in foreign relations.

The situation has created a tense environment in the Caribbean. The US insists its strikes are aimed at stopping drug trafficking, but Venezuela strongly opposes these actions. The lack of transparency about the attacks has fueled concerns about civilian casualties and international law violations. With both sides showing a firm stance, the risk of escalation remains high.

International observers are watching closely. The UN may be asked to investigate the strikes, as Venezuela calls for accountability. Analysts warn that military confrontations in the Caribbean could have wider effects, including increased instability and political tension in the region.

Venezuela’s strong response and military preparations show that the country is ready to defend its sovereignty. At the same time, calls from opposition leaders for a peaceful, political solution indicate that many Venezuelans want dialogue rather than conflict. The coming weeks may be critical for diplomacy in the Caribbean, as the international community weighs in on the US actions and Venezuela’s response.

In conclusion, the situation between the US and Venezuela remains delicate. While Washington claims to fight drug trafficking, Caracas calls it an undeclared war. The world is now looking at how both countries will manage this crisis, and whether international intervention or dialogue can prevent further conflict.