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The United States will continue striking drug-smuggling vessels and seizing sanctioned oil tankers and other cargo ships near Venezuela in order to pressure the country to “resolve its problems.” Washington will also prevent Venezuela from becoming an “operational hub” for Iran, China and Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the remarks in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press.
Rubio said the United States would continue targeting drug-trafficking boats and seizing vessels subject to sanctions. He stressed that the campaign is not directed against the Venezuelan people, but against criminal organizations involved in narcotics trafficking.
“We are at war with drug-trafficking organizations. This is not a war against Venezuela,” Rubio said. “We will continue to strike drug boats if they attempt to reach the United States. We will continue to seize sanctioned vessels. We will keep doing this, and possibly take other actions as well.”
According to Rubio, these measures will remain in place until drug trafficking is halted, oil assets are returned, and other U.S. demands toward the regime of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro are addressed.
Rubio also said the United States would not allow Venezuela to become a base for hostile activities against Washington, allegedly encouraged by U.S. adversaries including China, Russia, Cuba and others.
“You cannot turn Venezuela into an operational center for Iran, Russia, Hezbollah, China or Cuban intelligence services. This cannot continue,” Rubio said. “You cannot allow the world’s largest oil reserves to be controlled by the enemies of the United States.”
Rubio to become Trump’s key voice on Venezuela
On January 3, the United States carried out a large-scale military operation in Caracas, aimed at detaining Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Following the operation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would administer Venezuela until power is transferred under what he described as a “safe and lawful transition.” According to media reports, Rubio is expected to play a central role in overseeing the country during this interim period. Washington is currently seeking a candidate for the position of “special envoy for Venezuela” to support him.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Supreme Court Constitutional Chamber ruled that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume presidential duties during this period. Rodríguez has already responded aggressively to U.S. plans, saying Venezuela would “defend itself.”
