Trump Unveils Plan for Venezuela Amid Global Diplomatic Tension

US Forces Abduct Venezuelan President Maduro, Uncertainty Surrounds Future

On Saturday, US forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The incident has left unclear what Washington plans for the Latin American country.

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the US would “run” Venezuela until a transition was complete. However, his top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said the next day that the US does not intend to govern the country.

Rubio clarified that the US is not at war with Venezuela. He also mentioned that if Venezuela does not cooperate with the US on drug trafficking and opens its oil industry, Trump might order a second strike.

The Department of Justice dropped a claim about Cartel de los Soles, a group previously designated as a “terrorist” organization by the US. The Trump administration had built its case against Maduro, asserting that he was the leader of the country.

In December, the US accused Venezuela of trafficking fentanyl, calling it a “weapon of mass destruction”. However, when charges were announced against Maduro on Monday, fentanyl was not mentioned.

US Vice President JD Vance still insisted that some fentanyl originated from Venezuela. Analysts have pointed out confusing messaging coming from the Trump administration regarding the operation’s aim and how to proceed.

The legality of the operation that resulted in reported killings has been questioned by experts. The Trump administration claims Maduro’s abduction was legal, stating that the Maduro government is not legitimate.

Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who became interim president on Monday, expressed eagerness to collaborate with the US. The question of who will govern Venezuela remains unresolved.

Key differences exist between what Trump and Rubio have said. Rubio defended the US actions and explained the reasoning behind the operation, which has been condemned by the UN Security Council.

Source: Al Jazeera