Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned on Saturday that any armed intervention in Venezuela would trigger a “humanitarian catastrophe.” He spoke as tensions rose due to recent US actions against Caracas.

US Targets Venezuela’s Oil Exports

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump imposed a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers. The move prevents these vessels from entering or leaving Venezuela. Washington aims to cut off the Maduro government’s main source of revenue.

Brazil and Mexico Urge Restraint

Lula joined Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in calling for caution. The two leaders urged restraint and warned against escalating the crisis.

Lula Speaks at Mercosur Summit

On Saturday, Lula delivered stronger remarks at the Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguaçu, in southern Brazil. He said military intervention would create a “dangerous precedent for the world.”

Lula referred to history to make his point. More than four decades after the Falklands War between Argentina and Britain, he said, “the South American continent is once again haunted by the military presence of an extra-regional power.”