UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his “deep concern” over the apparent disregard for international law following the military operation that took place on January 3. This statement highlights the escalating tensions and the potential ramifications on global diplomacy.

In a related development, Nicolas Maduro made a notable appearance in a Manhattan courthouse on Monday. This event marks a significant moment in the ongoing geopolitical drama surrounding Venezuela.

The backdrop to these events includes the United States’ assertive military maneuvers off the coast of Venezuela. For months, the US has been increasing its military presence in the region, engaging in actions such as the destruction of boats suspected of drug trafficking. These measures underscore the heightened stakes and the US’s strategic interests in the area.

President Trump has been vocal about his intentions for Venezuela, suggesting that the US would manage the country temporarily. He proposed utilizing Venezuela’s abundant oil reserves, positioning the US as a potential supplier to other nations.

Contrastingly, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized a different approach. He stated that the US would enforce an existing oil quarantine on sanctioned tankers. This strategy is intended to leverage economic pressure to drive policy changes within Venezuela.