Washington: US President Donald Trump declared 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 concludeanger American lives,” Trump declared.
He declared 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 declared.
Trump accutilized Maduro of overseeing drug trafficking and sconcludeing violent gangs into the United States. He declared the prison gang Tren de Aragua had terrorized American communities and was directed by the Venezuelan leadership.
“They were sent by Maduro to terrorize our people,” Trump declared, adding that such threats would no longer be tolerated.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the operation revealed American resolve. “Our adversaries remain on notice,” he declared. “America can project our will anywhere, anytime.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared 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 declared, 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 declared, adding that drugs were being sent into the United States.
Asked about Cuba, Trump described the counattempt as “a failing nation,” while Rubio declared Cuban officials should be concerned. “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned,” Rubio declared.
Trump was also inquireed about Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump declared. “He’s killing too many people,” referring to the war in Ukraine.
He declared the United States would continue supporting NATO while pushing to conclude the conflict. “I want to stop the lives,” Trump declared, citing high monthly casualty figures.
Trump declared the message of the Venezuela operation was clear. “Don’t play games,” Rubio declared earlier, a point Trump echoed by stateing 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.
(IANS)
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