• Venezuela has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting regarding US military actions off its coast.
• The government anticipates an "armed attack" from the US and cites longstanding "regime change" policies.
• The US conducted multiple military strikes claiming to targeting drug traffickers, leading to increased tensions.
• UN discussions acknowledged concerns over US actions, with Russia condemning the strikes as violations of international law.
• Negotiations continue amidst calls for dialogue and de-escalation from various UN member states.

Venezuela's government has formally requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to address increasing U.S. military operations in the Caribbean. The letter, sent to Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the Trump administration of threatening the "peace, security, and stability" of the region, as well as expecting an "armed attack" in the near future, according to TRT and CBS News.

In the wake of several U.S. military strikes against alleged drug boats, which left 21 dead, Venezuelan officials argue that these actions are part of a long-standing strategy by the United States to implement regime change in Venezuela. Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's UN ambassador, asserted that there has been a consistent effort by the U.S. to seize Venezuela's rich natural resources, an assertion backed by both LA Times and Reuters.

During discussions at the UN, Russia echoed Venezuela's concern, condemning the U.S. military actions as "gross violations" of international law. Nebenzia criticized the U.S. approach, likening it to a "cowboy principle," highlighting the reckless nature of the strikes without proper investigation or due process for those involved, as reported by Reuters.

As the emergency session unfolded, representatives from several countries called for diplomacy and adherence to international law, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions over military conflict. Countries like France, Greece, and Denmark weighed in on the importance of reducing tensions and suggested coordinated efforts against drug trafficking that respect national sovereignty, reflecting sentiments shared by LA Times and CBS News.

Despite the international discourse and Venezuela's appeal for support from the council, contentious divisions were evident, particularly from the U.S., whose representatives reiterated their commitment to combatting what they call narco-terrorism emanating from Venezuela. U.S. officials maintained that they will continue to use military force in what they describe as self-defense, according to LA Times.