Colombian President calls for urgent UNSC meeting following Venezuela attacks

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on Saturday for the immediate convening of the United Nations Security Council following attacks against Venezuela.

In his message, Petro reported that the Unified Command Post (PMU) was activated in Cúcuta and that an operational plan was deployed on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, in response to reports of explosions and unusual aerial activity recorded in recent hours in Venezuelan territory.

The Government of Colombia expressed its “deep concern” about the escalation of tension in the region, rejecting any unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or endanger the civilian population.

As a preventative measure, the Colombian government implemented measures to protect the civilian population, preserve stability on the border, and address any potential humanitarian or migration needs, in coordination with local authorities and relevant agencies.

This comes as Venezuela accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 a.m. local time Saturday in the capital, Caracas.

The Venezuela government in a statement said the goal of the attack is for the United States to take possession of the country’s oil and minerals. It added that the United States “will not succeed” in taking the resources.

President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency and called on social and political forces to “activate mobilization plans.”