HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Wednesday voiced concern over growing tensions between the US and Venezuela, urging both sides to avoid escalation.

"In general, we remain very concerned about the heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference.

He added that "it is important that there be de-escalation, and that a peaceful resolution of differences in accordance with international law and the Charter of the UN be found."

Asked about the legality of a reported US strike on a Venezuelan boat allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua (TDA) transnational criminal organization, Dujarric responded: "We're not in a position to take a position on the legality."

He acknowledged broader concerns and said that "we're seeing issues relating to drug trade, to organized crime, and we all know that the transnational drug trade, the transnational drug business, poses a great threat to the region and beyond."

"What's important for us is that all those involved strengthen cooperation and constructive dialogue to ensure that efforts to deal with those threats of transnational crime are consistent with the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights, cooperation, and so on," he said.

Tensions between the Trump administration and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently escalated after the US deployed a naval group to the southern Caribbean. The US claims the force is there to combat criminal cartels and drug trafficking. The deployment followed an increased reward of $50 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest.