UN Expert Calls U.S. Move Against Venezuela "Illegal Aggression"

A United Nations human rights expert has condemned recent U.S. military action in Venezuela. "I condemn the U.S.’s illegal aggression against Venezuela and the illegal abduction of its leader and his wife," said Ben Saul, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights. The statement refers to reported U.S. strikes within Venezuelan territory and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Saul, an independent expert appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council, did not provide further operational details. His role is to examine and report on human rights issues globally. The condemnation frames the events as violations of international law. The U.S. government has not yet issued a public response to the expert's statement. Special Rapporteurs are independent voices and do not speak for the United Nations as a whole. Their assessments often influence international diplomatic and legal discussions.