CARACAS – Venezuela has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address what it describes as “ongoing U.S. aggression,” according to diplomatic sources. The meeting of the 15-member council is expected to take place early next week, possibly on Tuesday.
The request follows an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordering a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Washington says the move is intended to increase pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government by targeting the country’s primary source of revenue: oil exports.
Rising Military Tensions
The United States has accused the Venezuelan government of involvement in international drug trafficking and has stepped up military operations in the region, including actions against vessels suspected of transporting narcotics. U.S. naval and air assets have increased their presence in and around the Caribbean and northern South America as part of these efforts.
A UN diplomat confirmed that Venezuela submitted a formal letter to the Security Council requesting the meeting. The session would allow Caracas to present its objections to U.S. actions and argue that the measures constitute a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.
The planned Security Council discussion comes amid heightened regional tensions, with concerns growing over the potential impact on energy markets, regional security, and civilian air and maritime traffic in the Caribbean basin.