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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticised what he described as “extrajudicial operations” carried out by the United States against suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the coast of Venezuela, calling the actions “unacceptable” in an interview published on Friday.
Speaking to Italy’s L’Espresso magazine, the Socialist Party leader urged de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the rising tensions between the Trump administration and Caracas, amid growing fears that the standoff could spiral into open conflict.
Responding to a question about what the interviewer termed US extrajudicial killings in international waters, Sánchez said the situation illustrated a troubling disregard for international law.
“The questioning of international law is, once again, worrying,” he said, adding that such actions reinforce long-standing accusations that Western powers apply “double standards” when advocating for the rules-based order.
“We must pursue avenues of dialogue and a peaceful solution to this crisis,” he continued. “In my opinion, these extrajudicial operations are unacceptable; they undermine international law.”
Washington has increased pressure on Venezuela in recent months, deploying a significant naval presence in the region and conducting lethal strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats — operations that have resulted in nearly 90 deaths.
