GENEVA 

UN human rights experts on Tuesday condemned what they described as covert actions and threats of armed force by the US against Venezuela, warning that such moves violate international law and endanger regional peace.

"These actions also violate the fundamental international obligations not to intervene in the domestic affairs or threaten to use armed force against another country," the experts said in a statement. "These moves are an extremely dangerous escalation with grave implications for peace and security in the Caribbean region."

The experts expressed concern over reports of a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean and recent lethal operations by American forces against vessels off Venezuela's coast, alleged to have been involved in drug trafficking.

"Even if such allegations were substantiated, the use of lethal force in international waters without proper legal basis violates the international law of the sea and amounts to extrajudicial executions," they said.

The statement also warned that preparations for covert or direct military action "constitute an even graver breach of the UN Charter."

US President Donald Trump recently labeled the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua and others as "terrorist organizations," claiming they pose a threat to US security. The experts countered that these groups are not attacking the US and therefore "there is no right of self-defence."

Citing Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, the experts stressed that no country may use or threaten force against another's sovereignty or political independence. They urged Washington to cease unlawful attacks and threats, respect international law, and reaffirm its commitment to the UN Charter.

"The long history of external interventions in Latin America must not be repeated," the experts said.