Trending 
Venezuela has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address what it describes as growing threats from the United States, following the deployment of American warships to the Caribbean under the banner of countering drug trafficking.
Diplomatic sources at UN headquarters in New York confirmed to AFP that the meeting is scheduled for Friday at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT).
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, Venezuela’s foreign ministry accused the United States of endangering “peace, security and international and regional stability” through recent military actions in international waters. These strikes, which Washington claims targeted drug smuggling operations, have reportedly killed at least 21 people in recent weeks.
Caracas urged the UN Security Council — where the United States holds a permanent seat and veto power — to debate the matter and issue recommendations aimed at halting what it called Washington’s “plans of aggression.”
According to diplomats, the request for the meeting has received backing from Russia and China, both of whom also hold veto rights on the Council.
President Donald Trump last week informed Congress that the United States was in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, asserting the legality of the military operations.
The US has bombed several small vessels off the Venezuelan coast, alleging they were transporting narcotics destined for American shores.
In addition to deploying a naval fleet in the Caribbean, the US has stationed F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico as part of its operations.
Although Washington has portrayed Venezuela as a central player in the drug trade, most narcotics entering the US are believed to originate in or pass through Mexico.
The United States accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of running a drug cartel and refuses to recognise him as the country’s legitimate leader, alleging that his re-election last year was fraudulent.
Maduro, however, maintains that the true objective of President Trump’s actions is to overthrow his government.
In response to mounting tensions, thousands of Venezuelans have joined a civilian militia at Maduro’s urging to strengthen the nation’s defences.
Diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington were severed in 2019.
