Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó sharply criticized Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday through a message shared on his X account (formerly known as Twitter). He was responding to recent claims made by the Venezuelan president regarding an alleged extradition request to the United States. "Maduro, answer me: What do you think will happen first? That Trump deports me as you requested, or that the drug cartel boss in Miraflores falls... You know the answer," Guaidó wrote alongside a video reminding viewers that Maduro has publicly sought his extradition to the South American nation.
Guaidó feels secure with the backing of Washington and reiterated that the Venezuelan leader has been tagged by President Trump as the head of the so-called "Cartel of the Suns," a narcoterrorist organization.
Maduro Denounces U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean
Guaidó's message came a day after Nicolás Maduro held a national and international press conference to warn about what he termed as "the greatest military threat in a hundred years" against Venezuela. During the briefing, he claimed that eight American naval vessels, a nuclear submarine, and at least 1,200 missiles were positioned in the southern Caribbean "aimed at Venezuela." He appeared visibly outraged, accusing Washington of executing an excessive provocation under a strategy of "maximum military pressure."
Maduro described the military buildup as "an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral, criminal, and bloody threat," asserting that his country had activated "maximum defense preparedness."
U.S. Confirms Strike Against Venezuelan Drug-Linked Vessel
On the same Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American military forces conducted a lethal strike on a vessel that had departed from Venezuela and was operated by a narcoterrorist organization. "Today, the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug-laden ship originating from Venezuela," Rubio posted on X.
The announcement was echoed by President Donald Trump, who explained that the vessel was transporting a substantial amount of narcotics to the United States.
Escalating Tensions and Warnings to Trump
In his address, Maduro also cautioned about the influence of the Secretary of State in this U.S. military maneuver in the Caribbean: "Watch out for Marco Rubio, who wants to stain his hands with blood through a massacre against the people of Venezuela," he stated. Despite the accusations, Maduro acknowledged that communication channels with Washington still exist, though he described the dialogue as "damaged and doomed." He mentioned diplomat John McNamara and former ambassador Richard Grenell as recent interlocutors.
Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado viewed the recent events as "decisive" for Venezuela's political transition. In her view, Maduro's downfall will trigger a domino effect in the region, dismantling the political and intelligence framework between Caracas and Havana.
Amidst these developments, the CELAC has called for an urgent meeting of foreign ministers to address the growing tension, and the Cuban regime expressed its "unconditional support" for the Chavismo in light of what it termed "imperialist threats." "Regional issues require coordinated and joint action by member states, based on dialogue, non-interference, cooperation, solidarity, and respect for sovereignty," stated Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez on X.
The United States maintains a $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro, whom they consider the leader of a criminal organization with direct ties to international drug trafficking.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Crisis
What did Juan Guaidó challenge Nicolás Maduro about?
Juan Guaidó challenged Nicolás Maduro by questioning whether Trump would deport him or the drug cartel leader in Miraflores would fall first.
How did Nicolás Maduro respond to the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean?
Nicolás Maduro denounced the U.S. military presence as an extravagant and unjustifiable threat and asserted that Venezuela has activated maximum defense preparedness.
What action did the U.S. take against Venezuelan narcotics operations?
The U.S. military conducted a lethal strike against a vessel carrying drugs that had departed from Venezuela, as confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
What is the current stance of the United States regarding Nicolás Maduro?
The United States offers a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's capture, considering him a leader of a criminal organization with drug trafficking ties.