NewKerala.com

US Missile Strikes in Caribbean: Venezuela's Human Rights Warning Amid Tensions

Venezuela's attorney general has strongly condemned recent US missile strikes in the Caribbean. Tarek William Saab claims these actions violate international law and human rights treaties. Brazilian President Lula da Silva has expressed serious concerns about the growing US military presence in the region. The situation highlights escalating tensions in what South American leaders consider a "zone of peace."

Key Points: Venezuela Condemns US Missile Strikes in Caribbean Waters

  • Venezuela cites UN Convention on Law of Sea violations by US strikes
  • Attorney General reveals 21,370 drug trafficking convictions in eight years
  • Brazil's President Lula expresses concern about US military deployment
  • Only 5% of US-bound drugs pass through Venezuela according to UN data
  • US military presence increased amid drug trafficking crackdown claims
2 min read

US missile strikes in Caribbean violate human rights, says Venezuelan attorney general

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab accuses US of violating international law with Caribbean missile strikes against boats in international waters.

"If a vessel does not pose an immediate danger, the use of lethal force constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law - Tarek William Saab"

Caracas, Nov 27

US missile strikes against boats in the Caribbean region violate international law and human rights, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said.

"They have violated international law," the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as "all human rights treaties," Saab said on Wednesday (local time) about the US attacks in international waters.

"If a vessel does not pose an immediate danger, the use of lethal force constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law," Saab added.

"Venezuela does not produce cocaine or marijuana," Saab stressed, noting that, according to figures from the United Nations, "less than 5 per cent of the drugs destined for the United States" pass through Venezuela, reports Xinhua news agency.

Saab said that, over the last eight years, the Attorney General's Office has filed 60,820 drug trafficking charges against Venezuelan nationals, resulting in 21,370 convictions, and has participated in the seizure of more than 370 tonnes of drugs.

Earlier on Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he was "very concerned" about US military deployment in the Caribbean Sea and planned to talk with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to prevent conflict with Venezuela.

South America is considered a "zone of peace," free of nuclear weapons, and "there is nothing to justify a conflict," Lula told Brazilian media after attending the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"War makes no sense. It's simple to start a war, you just have to give them an opportunity ... It is important that we try to find a solution before we start," he said.

Brazil has an important responsibility in South America, as it shares a border with Venezuela, Lula added.

The US military has beefed up its presence in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks since Washington announced the decision to crack down on drug trafficking in the region, which allegedly leads to the deaths of millions of Americans.

int/sd/

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While drug trafficking is a serious issue, missile strikes in international waters without clear threat assessment seems excessive. Venezuela's statistics show they're trying to combat the problem. More dialogue needed!
R
Rohit P
Lula is absolutely right - war makes no sense. As someone from India where we've seen the cost of conflict, peaceful resolution should always be priority. Brazil playing mediator role is good for regional stability.
S
Sarah B
The human rights angle is important, but let's not forget the drug problem affects real people. However, military action should be proportionate and lawful. There has to be a better way to handle this crisis.
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective from Venezuela. The 370 tonnes of drugs seized and 21,000+ convictions show they're not ignoring the problem. Maybe regional cooperation would be more effective than unilateral military action? 🤔
K
Kavya N
As an Indian watching from afar, this feels like another example of big power politics. When will we learn that military solutions often create more problems than they solve? Peaceful coexistence should be the goal.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50