Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, has voiced his support for President Donald Trump's directive to combat narco-terrorist groups in the Caribbean, asserting that the U.S. is entitled to safeguard its sovereignty and national security.
Rubio addressed allegations that the operation might breach international law during his statements.
"It's intriguing how these countries want us to deploy nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles to defend Europe, but when the U.S. positions aircraft carriers in our own hemisphere, suddenly it's a concern," he remarked.
The Secretary of State dismissed the European Union's criticisms regarding supposed violations of international norms.
"I don't believe the European Union should dictate what constitutes international law, and certainly not how America should defend its national security," he declared.
Rubio underscored that Trump's directives are a response to a direct threat.
"The United States is under siege by criminal narco-terrorist organizations within our hemisphere, and the President is acting to defend our nation," he stated.
The Cuban-American politician added that the mission aims to dismantle groups posing a risk to U.S. security.
"The President has been unequivocal in his duty to shield America from any threat... and that is precisely what this operation accomplishes," Rubio emphasized.
Rubio's remarks come in the wake of criticism from several European governments and international bodies questioning the legality of the U.S. intervention in the Caribbean.
Rubio stressed that Washington will act "without seeking approval" and reiterated that national sovereignty takes precedence over external attempts to constrain responses to criminal threats.
On this matter, Republican Congressman Carlos Giménez expressed on social platform X that "there is only one course of action: the total annihilation of the Cartel of the Suns, the narco-terrorist group led by Nicolás Maduro."
The Cuban regime is anxiously monitoring the escalating U.S. military pressure on Venezuela, coupled with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's firm stance against dictator Nicolás Maduro. Experts suggest this could trigger another economic blow to Havana.
According to an EFE agency report, the Cuban regime's concern revolves around potential political and economic repercussions from a power shift in Caracas, the island's main energy and financial ally.
Impacts of U.S. Operations in the Caribbean
Why is the U.S. conducting operations in the Caribbean?
The U.S. is conducting operations in the Caribbean to counteract narco-terrorist groups that are perceived as a direct threat to its national security.
What is Marco Rubio's stance on international law regarding these operations?
Marco Rubio has dismissed claims that the operations violate international law and has stated that the U.S. will act to defend itself without needing approval from external bodies like the European Union.
How might U.S. actions affect Cuba?
The Cuban regime is concerned that increased U.S. military pressure on Venezuela, a key ally, could lead to political and economic consequences that negatively impact Cuba.