India, Jan. 6 -- The United States has justified at UN Security Council its military strikes on the Venezuelan capital and seizure of President Nicolas Maduro.

The Security Council met on Monday against a sharply altered diplomatic backdrop, where members were split over whether Washington's move upholds accountability or undermines a foundational principle of international order.

Some delegations argued the action was exceptional and justified; others warned it risks normalizing unilateral force and eroding state sovereignty.

The United States rejected characterizations of its actions as military aggression, describing the operation as a targeted law enforcement measure facilitated by the military to arrest an indicted fugitive.

US A...