Washington, Jan 4: US President Donald Trump said the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro should serve as a warning to adversaries, declaring that the United States would not tolerate threats to its security or sovereignty.
“This extremely successful operation should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives,” Trump said.
He said the US embargo on Venezuelan oil remained in effect and that American forces were positioned to act again if necessary. “The United States retains all military options,” Trump said.
Trump accused Maduro of overseeing drug trafficking and sending violent gangs into the United States. He said the prison gang Tren de Aragua had terrorised American communities and was directed by the Venezuelan leadership. “They were sent by Maduro to terrorise our people,” Trump said, adding that such threats would no longer be tolerated.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation showed American resolve. “Our adversaries remain on notice,” he said. “America can project our will anywhere, anytime.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Maduro had been indicted in 2020 and was not recognized as Venezuela’s legitimate president by the United States, the European Union or multiple governments worldwide.
“He is a fugitive of American justice,” Rubio said, adding that Maduro had ignored multiple opportunities to avoid confrontation.
Trump also addressed regional leaders, reiterating criticism of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. “He has cocaine mills,” Trump said, adding that drugs were being sent into the United States.
Asked about Cuba, Trump described the country as “a failing nation,” while Rubio said Cuban officials should be concerned. “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned,” Rubio said.
Trump was also asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump said. “He’s killing too many people,” referring to the war in Ukraine.
He said the United States would continue supporting NATO while pushing to end the conflict. “I want to stop the lives,” Trump said, citing high monthly casualty figures.
Trump said the message of the Venezuela operation was clear. “Don’t play games,” Rubio said earlier, a point Trump echoed by saying those who threaten the United States would face consequences.
The operation comes amid heightened US focus on the Western Hemisphere, where Washington has increasingly framed security, energy and migration as interconnected strategic priorities.
US Secretary of State defends raid
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday defended the decision to limit the Venezuela operation to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, describing it as a highly complex military mission focused on a single, top-priority target.
Responding to criticism that other indicted Venezuelan officials remain in positions of power, Rubio said the operation was never intended to capture multiple figures simultaneously.
“The number one person on the list was the guy who claimed to be the president of the country,” Rubio told CBS’ Face the Nation in an interview. “He was the top target.”
Rubio said the arrest was carried out under extreme operational constraints. “It is not easy to land helicopters in the middle of the largest military base in the country,” he said, noting that Maduro was residing on a military base.
He described the pace and precision of the mission. “Land within three minutes, kick down his door, grab him, put him in handcuffs, read him his rights, put him in a helicopter and leave the country,” Rubio said.
The operation was completed without any US casualties or losses, he said. “Without losing any American or any American assets.” (IANS)
