On Saturday, Cuban-American Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar declared that the "net is closing in on drug dictator Maduro," highlighting the increasing international pressure on the Chavista regime and regional efforts against narcoterrorism. In a statement shared on her X account (formerly Twitter), the Republican representative from Florida emphasized that "Latin America is uniting because halting his drug-fueled dictatorship is crucial for the hemisphere's safety and democracy. We all know Maduro isn't a president; he's the leader of the Cartel of the Suns, a narcoterrorist exporting drugs, violence, and misery."
Salazar extended her gratitude to the leadership of the President of the United States and Senator Marco Rubio, asserting that the freedom of Venezuela and the entire region "is drawing nearer."
The congresswoman's comments follow the Guyana government's recent expression of "deep concern" over the threat posed by transnational organized crime and narcoterrorism in the region, explicitly mentioning Venezuela's Cartel of the Suns, which has been labeled a terrorist organization by multiple countries.
In an official release, Georgetown warned that these criminal networks possess the power to "overwhelm state institutions, undermine democracy, distort the rule of law, and threaten human dignity and development." President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his nation's dedication to collaborating with both regional and global partners to combat this shared threat.
Concurrently, Nicolás Maduro announced the deployment of 4.5 million militia members to "counter the threats" from Washington, in a speech characterized by militaristic rhetoric and promises to arm farmers and workers as part of the Bolivarian Militia.
This announcement follows the United States' decision to increase the reward to $50 million for information leading to the capture of the Venezuelan leader, who is accused in Washington of heading the Cartel of the Suns and facilitating drug trafficking alongside criminal networks like the Aragua Train and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Implications of Maduro's Drug Operations for Latin America
What are the international reactions to Maduro's regime?
Many countries, including the United States, have increased pressure on Maduro's regime due to its involvement in narcoterrorism, with the U.S. offering a $50 million reward for his capture.
How is Guyana responding to the threat from Venezuela?
Guyana's government has expressed deep concern over the threat from organized crime and narcoterrorism linked to Venezuela, committing to work with regional and global partners to address these challenges.
What is the significance of Salazar's statements regarding Maduro?
Maria Elvira Salazar's statements underscore the urgency for Latin American unity in countering Maduro's regime, framing it as a critical step for the region's security and democratic stability.