ISTANBUL

The UN on Monday called for full adherence to international law to guarantee the safety of international civil aviation following the US announcement that Venezuelan airspace would be "completely shut down."

UN's position remains "consistent" amid escalating tensions, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the secretary-general, told reporters.

He urged countries to show respect to their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and all applicable legal frameworks.

Dujarric emphasized the need to use existing mechanisms to address issues "peacefully ensuring the safety and security and connectivity of international civil aviation."

Responding to a report in The Washington Post alleging that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike to kill two survivors of an initial attack on a suspected drug boat, Dujarric said that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "remains gravely concerned" about strikes on vessels allegedly carrying those involved in drug trafficking.

The White House confirmed Monday that Hegseth had authorized the order on Sept. 2, but that it was issued by Navy Adm. Frank Bradley, who spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said was working "well within his authority and the law" directing the lethal strike.

Dujarric referred reporters to a statement made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who had previously indicated that the military strikes may violate international human rights law and had called for investigations into the attacks.

The call comes after US President Donald Trump recently threatened on social media to "completely shut down" Venezuelan airspace, which prompted Caracas to demand "unconditional respect" for its airspace.

The US has expanded military operations across Latin America in recent months, deploying Marines, warships, fighter jets, bombers, submarines, and drones.

Last week, Trump said the US will "very soon" take action against Venezuelan drug traffickers on land.

Since September, the US military has carried out 21 strikes on vessels it claimed were loaded with drugs, killing 83 people.