Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto addressed the United Nations General Assembly, condemning what he described as an “illegal and completely immoral military threat” from the United States directed at Venezuela.
During his speech on Friday in New York, Pinto expressed gratitude for the support received from various governments and citizens who oppose U.S. attempts to incite conflict in the Caribbean and South America.
He claimed that the aggressive posture from the U.S. is aimed at enabling foreign powers to exploit Venezuela’s vast oil and gas resources.
The minister accused Washington of fabricating “vulgar and perverse lies” to justify their military actions, labeling them as part of an extravagant campaign that threatens the region.
Earlier governmental reports indicated that U.S. military officials are preparing plans for aerial attacks targeting drug traffickers within Venezuela, escalating tensions further.
President Donald Trump announced a recent strike aimed at a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking, leading to significant casualties in the area. This marks the third such attack carried out by U.S. forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals.
Legal experts have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of such American operations in international waters, particularly since both U.N. and U.S. data suggest that Venezuela is not a significant source of cocaine entering the U.S., countering Trump’s statements.
In contrast to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric towards drug smugglers, Colombian President Gustavo Petro took a different stance in his address to the UNGA. He called for criminal action against Trump for the recent attacks on vessels, which resulted in fatalities of Venezuelans not found guilty of any offenses.
Currently, the U.S. has stationed eight warships off the coast of Venezuela, supported by F-35 fighter jets deployed to Puerto Rico. This military presence is characterized by the U.S. as an anti-drug operation.
Despite these tensions, Washington has rebuffed calls for dialogue from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is accused by the Trump administration of being connected to drug trafficking—a claim Maduro has vehemently denied.
Maduro, along with his predecessor Hugo Chavez, had previously been regular attendees of the annual UNGA meetings. However, Maduro’s absence this year was noted, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referring to him as a fugitive due to ongoing drug-trafficking allegations.
In response to the perceived threats, Maduro has initiated military drills aimed at preparing the Venezuelan populace for potential natural disasters or armed conflicts.
The situation has instilled fear among local fishermen, many of whom express concern for their safety while working in the waters. Fisherman Joan Diaz, from Caraballeda, emphasized the nature of their peaceful endeavors.
He remarked, “It’s very upsetting because our country is peaceful, our fishermen are peaceful.”
Diaz pointed out that fishermen generally operate close to shore but may need to venture into deeper waters to fish for tuna, where they feel more vulnerable due to U.S. military presence.
Luis Garcia, representing a network of approximately 4,000 fishermen and women in La Guaira, voiced similar apprehensions. He highlighted the disparity between their small fishing vessels and the U.S. military ships, describing it as a serious threat.
In a statement filled with determination, Garcia asserted, “We say to him: ‘Mr. Donald Trump, we, the fishermen of Venezuela … will continue to carry out our fishing activities. We will continue to go out to the Caribbean Sea that belongs to us.’”
As the international community watches the developing situation, the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States could lead to significant shifts in both regional and global dynamics.
International leaders and organizations continue to call for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to ensure stability in the region while addressing the underlying issues of drug trafficking and humanitarian concerns.
image source from：aljazeera
