US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Nicolás Maduro's government is intolerable for his country, amid escalating pressures on Caracas. Washington announced additional sanctions against relatives close to the Venezuelan leader, aimed at combating narcotrafficking. These measures add to recent military actions in the Caribbean and Pacific.
On Friday, Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, declared that Nicolás Maduro's regime poses an intolerable situation for US national security. This statement came amid a series of military attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, part of Washington's strategy against narcotrafficking, which directly accuses Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel de los Soles.
Rubio responded to questions about comments from Susan Wiles, White House chief of staff, who indicated that President Trump aims to pressure Maduro through naval operations. "It is clear that the current status quo with the current Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States," Rubio told the press. He added that the Venezuelan government not only fails to cooperate with the US but collaborates with narco-terrorists, threatening national interests. "We reserve the right and have the right to use all elements of national power to defend the national interest of the United States," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Treasury Department expanded sanctions for the second consecutive week against Maduro's inner circle. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted the family of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, national treasurer and PDVSA vice president, who was previously sanctioned. Among those affected is his mother, Eloísa Flores de Malpica, sister of Cilia Flores, Maduro's wife. Roberto and Vicente Luis Carretero Napolitano, relatives of Panamanian businessman Ramón Carretero Napolitano linked to Venezuelan contracts, were also sanctioned.
Tommy Pigott, deputy State Department spokesperson, stated: "Maduro and his cronies have devastated Venezuela's economy and continue to threaten our region's stability." The Treasury clarified that these financial tactics and military actions aim to stop narcotrafficking, not necessarily to overthrow the regime. However, a license was issued for certain transactions with PDVSA, allowing limited operations.
