Rubio says U.S. captured Maduro in targeted operation

January 5, Kathmandu: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said the Trump Administration had carried out a decisive operation to apprehend Nicolás Maduro, describing him as an indicted narcoterrorist and an illegitimate former Venezuelan dictator.

Speaking across multiple television interviews, Rubio said the action reflected President Donald J. Trump’s firm resolve to prevent the Western Hemisphere from becoming a safe haven for drug traffickers, Iranian proxies, or hostile regimes that threaten U.S. national security.

Rubio stressed that the United States was not at war with Venezuela, but was engaged in a war against drug trafficking organisations. He said U.S. forces were not stationed in Venezuela and were on the ground only briefly to carry out the capture, calling the operation limited and targeted rather than an invasion or extended military campaign.

According to Rubio, the administration’s immediate focus is on measures that serve U.S. national interests and benefit the Venezuelan people. These include ending drug trafficking, expelling Iran and Hezbollah from Venezuela, and preventing the country’s oil industry from being used to enrich U.S. adversaries.

He said the action did not require congressional approval and that Congress would be notified as appropriate.

Rubio added that the United States would maintain pressure, including an oil quarantine and maritime seizures, until changes are made. He reiterated that Maduro was not the legitimate head of state and said the administration would judge outcomes by actions, not rhetoric.