U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed that the United States is not engaged in a war against Venezuela, clarifying that Washington’s actions are directed against international drug trafficking organizations, not the Venezuelan state itself.
Rubio’s remarks follow U.S. air operations carried out in Venezuela, after which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested. Maduro has since been transferred to a New York detention facility, where he is expected to face charges related to narcotics trafficking. Maduro has denied any involvement in leading or cooperating with drug cartels.
Strong Reactions From Caracas
Venezuela’s government reacted sharply, denouncing the U.S. operation as “military aggression.” In response to Maduro’s arrest, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, according to official announcements from Caracas.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would “administer” Venezuela until what he described as a “safe, proper, and wise transition of power” is achieved — a comment that has fueled further international debate and concern.
Despite rising tensions, Rubio reiterated that Washington’s objective is to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten regional and U.S. security, rather than to engage in an armed conflict with Venezuela as a nation.
