However, the legality of the operation has been called into question – with even some of Trump’s allies suggesting it violated international law. The Guardian spoke to leading experts in the field of international law to ask for their view on the unfolding events in Venezuela. Is the US operation in Venezuela justified under international law? “If the security council cannot decide on sanctions, the countries can choose whether or not to follow them,” she said. “The security council was the prevention mechanism for the third world war,” she said.

Source: The Guardian January 04, 2026 15:52 UTC