US Adjusts Stance on Venezuela Amid Maduro's Capture

US Secretary of State Comments on Venezuela

On Sunday, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would not engage in daily governance of Venezuela, aside from maintaining an existing oil quarantine on the nation, as reported by a news agency.

This statement marked a shift from President Donald Trump's earlier comments, where he indicated that the US would be 'running' Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were apprehended by US military forces during an operation on Saturday night.

Rubio emphasized that the US would leverage the oil quarantine to advocate for policy reforms in Venezuela. He mentioned, 'That is the sort of control the president is pointing to when he says that,' as quoted by CBS News.

He expressed expectations for changes not only in the oil sector but also in efforts to curb drug trafficking. 'We expect to see that there will be changes,' Rubio stated.

According to Rubio, the blockade on sanctioned oil tankers, some of which have been seized by the US, will remain until there are improvements that serve both US interests and the future of Venezuelans.

The US has accused Maduro of involvement in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, claims that the Venezuelan government denies.

In response, Caracas has labeled the US actions as 'military aggression' and has called for the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.

Since late August, the US has initiated a significant military presence off the coast of Venezuela, aiming to combat drug trafficking in the region, particularly focusing on Venezuela.

The US is among the nations that do not recognize Maduro's government and has consistently supported the Venezuelan opposition.

Trump's Military Threats Against Colombia and Mexico

Trump Threatens Military Action

On the same day, Trump issued threats of military intervention against Colombia and Mexico following the events in Venezuela, according to reports.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro, labeling him as 'a sick man' and accused him of producing and selling cocaine to the US.

When asked if this could lead to a US operation targeting Petro, Trump replied, 'Sounds good to me.'

He also remarked that Mexico needs to improve its efforts against drug trafficking, stating that he had previously offered US military assistance to Mexico, but President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared hesitant.

Regarding Cuba, Trump expressed that he did not believe military action was necessary, suggesting that the situation would resolve itself.