The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that Nicolás Maduro “tried to act tough” and ended up facing the consequences after his capture by U.S. forces in a military operation in Venezuela.
“Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid this. Very, very, very generous agreements were offered to him, but he chose to act like a savage instead of resolving things through diplomatic means,” Rubio said.
“The result is what we saw tonight,” he emphasized, after stating that “Donald Trump is not a president of games, but of action.”
The Secretary of State indicated that the Chavista leader "played with fire" by challenging Washington.
"Maduro decided to invite gang members, confiscate American companies, take hostages, and believe there would be no consequences. He was wrong. We have a president who doesn't play," he warned.
Rubio stated that the operation was a direct response to a "threat to national interest" and that President Donald Trump acted in defense of U.S. security.
"This is a president of action. He doesn't seek out conflicts; he wants to get along with everyone, but you don't mess with the United States," he emphasized. "Now the world understands it," he declared.
The official reiterated that Maduro is not recognized as the legitimate president of Venezuela by Washington or by a large part of the international community.
“He is a fugitive from justice, charged with narco-terrorism and corruption. Instead of cooperating, he chose confrontation,” Rubio pointed out.
Finally, Rubio stated that the message of the operation is clear: "When the President of the United States says he will do something, he follows through. And the whole world should understand this by now."
Following the attacks early this morning in Venezuela that ended with the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the international community has reacted in various ways. Many have condemned the intervention, while others have celebrated what they call "the freedom" of the South American nation.
Others, like Spain, have reiterated that they do not recognize Maduro as president but will also not support an intervention.
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