Trump Unveils Plan for Venezuela Amid Global Diplomatic Tensions

US Forces Abduct Venezuelan President Maduro

On Saturday, a group of US forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The abduction has left unclear what Washington’s intentions are for the Latin American country.

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

Rubio also clarified that the US is not at war with Venezuela. In an interview, he mentioned that the US aims to combat drug trafficking organizations and prevent the misuse of Venezuela’s oil industry by adversaries such as Russia, Iran, and China.

The Department of Justice dropped a claim on Monday regarding Cartel de los Soles, a group previously designated as a “terrorist” organization. The Trump administration had accused Maduro of involvement with the group.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that some fentanyl originated from Venezuela, despite the charges against Maduro not mentioning this substance. Analysts have noted conflicting messages from the Trump administration regarding its goals and methods.

The operation has been criticized by the UN Security Council, and experts question the legality of the abduction. Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, expressed willingness to collaborate with the US.

Rubio defended the US actions, explaining that the goal is to prevent drug trafficking and ensure the oil industry benefits the Venezuelan people, not just adversaries. He also mentioned that the US does not need Venezuela’s oil and has sufficient supplies of its own.

The situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, with Maduro’s deputy sworn in as interim president on Monday. The question of who will govern the country hangs in the balance.

Source: Al Jazeera