U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that the Trump administration has taken an "offensive" stance against drug cartels, highlighting the military's deployment in the Caribbean and areas near Venezuela as a crucial part of this strategy. During a live-streamed cabinet meeting at the White House, Rubio emphasized that the United States is experiencing an unprecedented phase in its fight against organized crime.
"For the first time in modern history, we are truly on the offensive against organized cartels that are pumping poison—deadly poison—into our cities, and this is a team effort," Rubio declared, referring to the ramped-up military and security operations in the region. The positioning of resources near Venezuelan waters is perceived as a direct pressure tactic against the Nicolás Maduro regime, which Washington accuses of having ties to drug trafficking networks and serving as a hub for illegal activities in the area.
During the same meeting, various cabinet members took the opportunity to praise Donald Trump's leadership, with Rubio dubbing him "the president of American workers" and "the peacemaker-in-chief." The gathering, which lasted over three hours and featured contributions from Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security; Steve Witkoff, the White House's special envoy for the Middle East; and others, was criticized by the press as a political loyalty exercise toward the president.
Rubio's announcement aligns with the heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with the U.S. government asserting it will not allow cartels or foreign allies to transform Venezuela into a "criminal sanctuary" on the continent's doorstep. In response to Washington's pressure, Caracas released 13 political prisoners last week. Venezuela has received backing from allies such as Cuba and Colombia.
Following Washington's accusations, Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended Nicolás Maduro and denied the existence of the so-called Cartel of the Suns, which the U.S. has labeled as a terrorist organization and claims is led by the Venezuelan president himself.
U.S. Military Presence and Venezuela
What is the purpose of the U.S. military deployment near Venezuela?
The U.S. military deployment near Venezuela aims to increase pressure on the Maduro regime, which the U.S. accuses of being linked to drug trafficking and illegal operations in the region.
How has Washington's pressure affected Caracas recently?
In response to Washington's pressure, Caracas recently released 13 political prisoners, demonstrating the impact of increased scrutiny and diplomatic maneuvers.
What are the allegations against Nicolás Maduro?
Washington accuses Nicolás Maduro of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a group involved in drug trafficking and labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S.