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The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, visited the headquarters of Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida, on Friday, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela.
According to the official schedule of the State Department, Rubio met behind closed doors with Admiral Alvin Holsey and other high-ranking military officials to review strategic priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on regional security, the fight against drug trafficking, and defense cooperation.
The visit takes place days after the United States deployed eight warships in the waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific as part of an "enhanced anti-drug operation," which has been interpreted as a direct message against Maduro.
The fleet includes destroyers, an amphibious ship with 2,500 Marines, a cruiser, and landing units, as well as helicopters and agents specialized in drug interdiction.
From the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt intensified the rhetoric by labeling the Venezuelan leader as "a fugitive chief of narco-terrorism" and asserting that "Nicolás Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela."
For his part, Maduro ordered the deployment of 15,000 soldiers at the border with Colombia and called on the militias to be “ready to defend the national territory” against what he termed a plan of foreign intervention.
The buildup of forces has sparked regional concern. Although the Pentagon stated that U.S. ships "are not near the Venezuelan coast," the presence of the USS Iwo Jima, with Marines on board heading to the Caribbean, heightens the perception of an impending confrontation scenario.
Despite the rhetoric, U.S. diplomats have clarified that Washington "does not seek a U.S.-led regime change."
However, the tightening of sanctions, the increase of the reward for Maduro to 50 million dollars, and the intensification of military operations reinforce the pressure on Caracas.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration maintains certain channels of cooperation with Venezuela, such as licenses for Chevron to export crude oil and the coordination of deportation flights, with nearly 8,000 Venezuelans returned since February.
The visit by Rubio to South Command is interpreted as a support for Washington's strategy in the region, at a time when the military and political balance in the Caribbean is once again at the center of the hemispheric agenda.
In the coming days, and amid the aforementioned context, Rubio will visit Mexico and Ecuador to advance in key areas for the Trump administration, such as combating drug trafficking, illegal immigration, reducing the trade deficit, and strengthening alliances against the growing influence of China in Latin America.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marco Rubio's Visit to Southern Command and the Tensions with Venezuela
Why did Marco Rubio visit U.S. Southern Command in Florida?
Marco Rubio visited Southcom in Florida to review strategic priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on regional security, the fight against drug trafficking, and defense cooperation. This visit occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela.
What is the objective of the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean?
The U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean is part of a "reinforced anti-narcotics operation." The goal is to combat drug trafficking and send a message of pressure to the regime of Nicolás Maduro, which Washington accuses of being linked to drug trafficking. However, both Cuba and Venezuela view this action as an intimidation maneuver.
How has Nicolás Maduro reacted to the U.S. military deployment?
Nicolás Maduro has responded by mobilizing 15,000 soldiers to the border with Colombia and calling on the militias to be ready in defense of Venezuelan territory. He also characterizes the U.S. military deployment as part of a foreign intervention plan.
What stance has the Cuban government taken regarding the military increase of the U.S. in the Caribbean?
The Cuban government has condemned the military deployment of the U.S. in the Caribbean, labeling it as a threat to regional peace. Havana accuses Washington of promoting a military escalation for interventionist purposes and attempting to reassert its dominance in Latin America under the guise of combating drug trafficking.
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