The American attack on Venezuela on Saturday could further undermine international institutions and accelerate a global arms race, analysts warned, with one likening Washington’s actions to issuing a “death certificate” for the United Nations.

On Sunday, Trump warned that the US could launch a second military strike if remaining members of the Maduro government did not cooperate with efforts to get Venezuela “fixed”.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the US operation and that it had “potential worrying implications for the region”, according to a statement.

“He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” the UN statement said of Guterres.

“Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” it added.