Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar delivered a powerful warning to Venezuelan Chavista leader Diosdado Cabello on Thursday, following his recent threats against opposition leader María Corina Machado. "Diosdado Cabello, don't even think about harming María Corina Machado. The United States and the entire world are watching. If anything happens to her, you and your accomplices won't find a place to hide, and the wrath of God will strike you like thunder," Salazar posted on her official X account (formerly Twitter).
This strong message from the congresswoman came in response to Cabello's statements, where he warned Machado that she "won't come out unscathed" if the United States continues its anti-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea. "If they press us, we'll press her," declared the so-called "number two" of Chavismo, which was perceived as a direct threat against the opposition leader.
Cabello's remarks were in reaction to Machado's public support for the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean aimed at fighting drug trafficking. The operation involves warships and a nuclear submarine near Venezuelan waters and is intended to disrupt illegal routes linked to criminal organizations allied with Nicolás Maduro's regime, according to the Pentagon.
International Support and Rising Tensions
While attending an international forum in Panama, María Corina Machado responded by stating that "every passing day tightens the international noose around the narco-terrorist cartel still sitting in Miraflores," and that "the days of that criminal organization are numbered." Machado also received support from Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by both the opposition and international community as the winner of the 2024 presidential elections, which the regime did not acknowledge. "The transition will bring political change and the start of a new republican life," he declared.
The back-and-forth between Cabello and Salazar heightens political tensions at a time when Chavismo is facing increased international isolation, allegations of crimes against humanity, and diplomatic pressure. This is not the first time Salazar and Cabello have exchanged accusations. Recently, the Venezuelan official attempted to link the congresswoman to drug trafficking, an accusation she dismissed as "ridiculous."
U.S. Stance and Ongoing Operations
"It's laughable and embarrassing that a corrupt, repressive narco-military figure accuses me of what he himself embodies," Salazar retorted at the time. "The United States has never been more determined to dismantle the transnational criminal operation that he and Maduro run," she added, marking her as one of the most vocal supporters of the Venezuelan opposition in the U.S. Congress.
Meanwhile, the anti-drug mission in the Caribbean persists, posing one of the greatest challenges to the Venezuelan regime in recent years. The White House has reiterated that "no threats against democratic opponents will be tolerated."
Key Questions on the U.S.-Venezuela Political Tension
What prompted María Elvira Salazar's warning to Diosdado Cabello?
Salazar's warning was in response to Diosdado Cabello's threats against María Corina Machado following U.S. anti-drug efforts in the Caribbean.
What is the objective of the U.S. military operation in the Caribbean?
The U.S. operation aims to disrupt illegal drug trafficking routes associated with criminal organizations linked to Nicolás Maduro's regime.
How has the international community responded to Chavismo's threats?
The international community, along with opposition leaders like María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, has condemned the threats and emphasized that the regime's days are limited.