UN Security Council calls emergency meet over US action in Venezuela

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an urgent session on Monday to address a dramatic and escalating crisis between the United States and Venezuela, officials said. The meeting comes after a US military operation in Venezuela that has shocked the world and triggered fierce diplomatic debate.

Somalia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the council, confirmed that the emergency meeting will take place at 10 am (1500 GMT) on Monday.

“The presidency intends to hold the emergency meeting on Monday morning at 10 am (1500 GMT),” Khadija Ahmed, spokesperson for Somalia’s UN mission, told reporters.

Also read | Has Trump violated international law by capturing Maduro and attacking Venezuela?

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Shockwaves after US action

The call for the meeting follows a US military operation in Venezuela earlier this week that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their subsequent transfer to the United States. Maduro has been taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre in New York.

Perp walked.pic.twitter.com/34iIsFUDdG

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 4, 2026

American authorities say Maduro faces charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, allegations he and his government vehemently deny. This action has raised urgent questions about sovereignty, international law, and regional security.

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The situation has already led to strong reaction on the world stage, with many countries condemning the operation as a breach of international norms. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the intervention as setting a “dangerous precedent,” highlighting concerns among the international community about respect for the UN Charter.

The emergency meeting was requested not only by Venezuela’s allies but also by several UN members alarmed by the recent tensions.

Colombia, with backing from Russia and China, pushed for the session to promote dialogue and de-escalation. Some diplomats believe the council could be sharply divided over how to respond, particularly given the United States’ veto power as a permanent member.

Delcy Rodriguez steps in as Venezuela’s interim leader

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to take over the presidency following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro by the US military, which transferred him to New York to face criminal charges.

In its order, the court said it was essential to vest Rodriguez with full presidential authority to “guarantee the administrative continuity” of the country during Maduro’s absence.

Rodriguez, a close ally and handpicked successor of Maduro, strongly condemned the operation earlier, describing his capture as “barbaric” and calling it an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping.”