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The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, issued a strong warning to drug cartels this Wednesday, stating that "they will not continue to act with impunity" following the recent military operation in the Caribbean against a vessel allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua.
During his visit to Mexico as part of a tour through Latin America, Rubio stated that narco-terrorist groups operate in international waters to transport drugs to the United States, and that President Donald Trump ordered the use of force "to protect the American people."
"These cartels know they are taking risks because they are making billions of dollars. They don't mind losing 2% of their shipments. But there should be no doubt: they will not continue to act with impunity," stated the official, who emphasized that Washington has detailed intelligence on these criminal organizations.
This Wednesday, Trump referred to the recent military operation in the Caribbeanand that concluded with the destruction of a boat loaded with drugs, emphasizing that the shipment was destined for U.S. territory.
In his statements, after a meeting with his Polish counterpart, he accused Venezuela of being a key player in drug trafficking and of sending criminals to the northern country.
Trump stated that the vessel carried "a substantial amount of drugs destined for our country to kill many people," and insisted that these actions aim to protect the American public.
"Venezuela has been very bad in this regard. It has sent millions of people to our country, among them some of the worst criminals in the world," he stated.
Frequently asked questions about the U.S. military operation against drug trafficking in the Caribbean
What motivated the recent military operation by the U.S. in the Caribbean?
The U.S. military operation in the Caribbean was motivated by the goal of curbing drug trafficking into the country. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the United States is taking offensive measures against drug trafficking cartels operating in international waters. President Donald Trump ordered the action to protect the American people from criminal organizations transporting drugs from Venezuela, particularly the Tren de Aragua group.
What was the result of the military operation against the Tren de Aragua?
The military operation resulted in the destruction of a drug-laden vessel and the death of 11 members of Tren de Aragua, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Washington. The attack was carried out in international waters under the direct order of President Trump. No U.S. forces were injured during the operation.
How has Venezuela responded to the U.S. military operation?
The government of Venezuela, led by Nicolás Maduro, denies any connection to the attack and has accused the United States of faking the video of the operation using artificial intelligence. Maduro has described the U.S. military presence as "extravagant, immoral, and criminal" and has mobilized troops in defense of Venezuelan territory.
Why does the U.S. accuse Venezuela of being a key player in drug trafficking?
The United States accuses Venezuela of being a key player in drug trafficking because, according to Washington, Nicolás Maduro's regime provides support to criminal organizations such as the Tren de Aragua and the Cártel de los Soles, which traffic drugs to the U.S.. These organizations have been designated as terrorists by the United States, and Maduro is viewed as the leader of these groups.
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