Pretoria: South Africa on Saturday called on the UN Security Council to urgently convene and address the US military strike on Venezuela, and the capture of President Nicholas Maduro and his wife. ''Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations,'' South Africa's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Pretoria further expressed grave concern over the recent developments in Venezuela, viewing US actions as a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. The charter mandates all member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. South Africa emphasized that the charter does not authorize external military intervention in matters within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereign nation.
The statement also highlighted that history has shown military invasions against sovereign states often lead to instability and deepening crises. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington executed a 'large-scale strike' against Venezuela, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were then flown out of the country. Trump mentioned that the operation was conducted 'in conjunction with US law enforcement.'
Subsequently, Trump told Fox News that Washington might take a direct role in shaping Venezuela's future following Maduro's removal. The US has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and has indicted him and his wife on multiple criminal charges, including narco-terrorism. However, Venezuela's government has denied these accusations, and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated that Caracas was unaware of Maduro's whereabouts and demanded proof of his well-being.