United Nations, Dec 24 (NationPress) The United States and Venezuela confronted each other with resolve during an emergency session of the Security Council, as tensions escalated following Washington's seizure of two oil-laden vessels from the Latin American country, along with attempts to intercept another tanker.

US Permanent Representative Mike Walz stated on Tuesday, "The United States will impose and enforce sanctions to the maximum extent to deprive Maduro of the resources" needed to support drug cartels and criminal organizations.

He further remarked, "The reality of the situation is that sanctioned oil tankers serve as the primary economic lifeline for Maduro and his illegitimate regime," which he used to justify the US blockade of Venezuela initiated by former President Donald Trump.

In response, Venezuela’s Permanent Representative Samuel Moncada refuted any involvement in drug trafficking or in sending criminal gangs to the US.

He declared, "A redline has been crossed," accusing the US of engaging in a "massive violation of international law" and committing "piracy".

"We will remain composed in defending the peace of our nation," he affirmed.

One of the vessels taken by the US was allegedly transporting Venezuelan oil to China, whose Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei stated, "The US actions severely infringe upon other countries' sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, violating the UN Charter and international law."

China and Russia stood firmly behind Venezuela, with Russia’s Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzia criticizing the US for its "cowboy-like conduct" that contradicts key norms of international law.

While other nations voiced concerns over President Nicolas Maduro’s extensive human rights violations and the fraudulent elections that keep him in power, they also offered veiled critiques of the US.

Without directly addressing US actions, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative Archie Young stated, "The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is the cornerstone of international law on ocean-related issues. The United Kingdom will always support international law and its enforcement."

France’s Deputy Permanent Representative Jay Dharmadhikari reiterated his country’s commitment to international law, emphasizing that "sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be upheld."

On the topic of the US shooting down boats suspected of drug transport, he remarked, "Interdicting drug trafficking must be done in accordance with international law."

Since the launch of its Operation Southern Spear in September, the US has sunk 29 suspected drug-laden boats, leading to the deaths of 105 individuals, according to the UN’s Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari.

Khiari quoted UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who stated that the US airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, allegedly tied to drug trafficking, violate international human rights law.

Khiari also highlighted that public life in Venezuela has become increasingly militarized, while its citizens face critical human rights issues and socioeconomic difficulties.

Regarding the blockade's consequences, he noted that in a country grappling with soaring inflation and currency instability, "millions are unable to meet basic needs," and the "recent air and maritime restrictions, alongside reduced exports, threaten to further limit the government's ability to provide essential public services."

Secretary-General Guterres welcomed proposals for mediation and peaceful resolutions, as Khiari noted.

Walz, echoing sentiments similar to those of Trump, characterized Washington’s blockade and the destruction of boats as focused primarily on the war against drugs, avoiding Trump’s allegations of Venezuela expropriating US property.

He remarked, "These (drug) cartels are not like the mafia. These cartels are sophisticated, highly capable, well-financed, and are causing chaos in our region."

Walz identified the Cartel de Los Soles and the Tren de Aragua, both of which the US has labeled as foreign terrorist organizations.

He warned that these cartels pose a threat to Europe, with their drugs destined for the continent.

Most European nations in the Council acknowledged the drug threat, although they did not necessarily endorse the US's actions regarding the destruction of boats.