The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has voiced deep concern over rising tensions in Venezuela following US military strikes and the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores today, 3rd January, 2026.
Turk made this statement after the Venezuelan government earlier on today, accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations across multiple states, prompting the country to declare a national emergency.
Then later on US President Donald Trump confirmed on his social media platform Truth Social that a ‘large-scale’ strike had taken place in Venezuela, stating that President Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.
Turk, in a statement, called on all parties to act with restraint and ensure full compliance with the UN Charter and international human rights law.
“The safety and protection of the Venezuelan people must remain paramount and guide any future measures,” the statement from the UN Human Rights Office read.
These attacks follow months of US pressure on Maduro over alleged involvement in drug trafficking, claims the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied, while stating he is open to dialogue.
Additionally, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto also condemned the strikes on Caracas, calling them a serious breach of the UN Charter.
He warned that the attacks threaten international peace and security and endanger millions of lives.
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly rejects and condemns the severe military aggression carried out by the United States against Venezuelan territory and people, targeting both civilian and military sites in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira,” the minister said.
“This aggression threatens international peace and stability, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, and puts millions of lives at risk,” he added.
Gil Pinto further accused the US of seeking to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, including oil and minerals, and to undermine the country’s political independence.
“The attempt to impose a colonial war to destroy the republican form of government and force a regime change, in alliance with the fascist oligarchy, will fail as all previous attempts have failed,” he stated.
In response to the crisis, President Maduro signed a decree declaring a State of External Disturbance across the country, aimed at protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring the functioning of state institutions.
The unfolding situation in Venezuela highlights the urgent need for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international law.
With tensions running high and civilians at risk, the international community continues to call on all parties to prioritize human rights, protect lives, and resolve the crisis peacefully, avoiding further escalation that could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
