Venezuela’s diplomatic representative to Grenada, Ambassador Jorge Guerrero Veloz, has issued a stark warning to Caribbean nations regarding the alleged military capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by United States forces on January 3. The ambassador characterized this operation as both an assault on Venezuelan sovereignty and a direct challenge to regional stability throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
In an exclusive interview with NOW Grenada, Guerrero Veloz articulated grave concerns about Washington’s apparent resurgence of Monroe Doctrine principles through military intervention. He emphasized that the incident represents a fundamental violation of international legal frameworks, including the UN Charter, which guarantees sovereign equality and prohibits the use of force against territorial integrity.
The diplomatic official revealed that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), under Colombia’s pro tempore presidency, recently convened to address the situation. Member states reportedly expressed unanimous concern and rejection of unilateral military actions undertaken by the U.S. government on Venezuelan territory.
Ambassador Guerrero Veloz detailed multiple legal violations allegedly committed during the operation, including breaches of international humanitarian law through indiscriminate attacks affecting civilian populations and infrastructure. He referenced UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which defines bombardment or occupation of another state’s territory as acts of aggression.
Tragically, international news agencies including Al Jazeera have reported 32 Cuban casualties resulting from the military operation, with both Venezuelan and Cuban governments acknowledging deaths among civilians and military personnel. The ambassador condemned these actions as criminal acts of state terrorism.
Despite the escalating crisis, Venezuela maintains its commitment to peaceful trade relations with Caribbean partners. However, Guerrero Veloz acknowledged that broader economic consequences might emerge due to extensive unilateral coercive measures currently imposed on Venezuela, including sanctions, asset freezes, and the seizure of oil tankers.
The ambassador concluded with a determined statement: Venezuela will continue diplomatic battles for the liberation and return of President Maduro and his wife, framing the incident as a pivotal moment for regional sovereignty that will resonate across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, judicial proceedings continue against Maduro, with a court hearing scheduled for March 17. In his absence, former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been officially sworn in to lead the South American nation.