US Raises Possibility of Military Action in Venezuela as Oil Embargo Continues
The United States has signaled that it is keeping all options open in its escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela, including the potential use of ground troops, while maintaining a strict oil embargo aimed at forcing political and economic change.
Marco Rubio Signals Military Option and Defends Oil Embargo
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Washington would not rule out a ground invasion of Venezuela, confirming the continued US military presence in the Caribbean. Speaking to CBS News, Rubio stated that the Trump administration would keep enforcing the oil embargo until actions are taken that align with the interests of both the American and Venezuelan people.
Rubio argued that Venezuelan oil revenues are not benefiting citizens, claiming they are being misused by those in power. He described the country’s oil sector as poorly managed and in urgent need of reform and international assistance. According to him, future changes in the industry could help stabilize the economy and disrupt drug trafficking networks, stressing that the US is targeting drug cartels, not the Venezuelan nation itself.
Arrest of Nicolás Maduro Marks Major Escalation
Tensions intensified further after the United States arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation carried out early Saturday. The move followed months of mounting political and economic pressure from Washington.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown to New York, where they are expected to appear before a federal court in Manhattan. The arrest represents one of the most dramatic steps taken so far by the US in its confrontation with the Venezuelan government, signaling a new and highly volatile phase in relations between the two countries.
