Venezuela has vehemently denounced recent United States actions, including military strikes and a naval blockade, describing them as the initial phase of a broader campaign of aggression. The South American nation, through its UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada, has urged the international community to recognise Venezuela as merely the first target in a US strategy. This strategy, according to Caracas, aims to fragment and dominate regional powers across Latin America.
Tensions escalated during a United Nations Security Council session, convened at Venezuela's request to address alleged US aggression. The provocations cited include September air strikes against vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, purportedly targeting drug trafficking. However, Venezuela asserts these strikes resulted in a tragic loss of life, with initial reports indicating at least 105 fatalities. Some scholars and leaders have decried these as potentially constituting "extrajudicial killings." Furthermore, a US naval blockade encircling Venezuelan oil tankers has been characterised as illegal piracy and an attempt to cripple the national economy.
In response, Venezuela's National Assembly has enacted a new law imposing severe penalties, including up to two decades of imprisonment, for supporting or financing blockades and piracy. This legislation underscores Venezuela's commitment to safeguarding its economic sovereignty and preventing further deterioration of living standards. The government asserts that the US seizure of its oil tankers constitutes flagrant violations of international law.
According to Venezuelan officials, these assertive US actions stem from a purported US National Security Strategy envisioning American hegemony across the continent. Ambassador Moncada forcefully articulated this concern, stating, "The ambition is continental." He warned, "Venezuela is only the first target of a larger plan. The US government wants us to be divided so it can conquer us piece by piece." This narrative suggests a calculated US strategy to foster disunity among Latin American nations.
The US maintains its operations are necessary to interdict illicit narcotics destined for American shores. However, the unilateral nature of some actions, reportedly without explicit congressional authorisation, has raised questions about their legality. The naval blockade, implemented last week, has been labelled by Venezuelan lawmakers as a "military act aimed at laying siege to the Venezuelan nation."
International responses have been divided, with Russia and China voicing strong criticism. Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the US might be developing a "template" for future regional interventions. This has amplified calls for the United States to uphold international law and de-escalate tensions. The unfolding events signal a critical juncture in inter-American relations, with profound implications for regional stability and national sovereignty.