Rubio says there's 'not a war against Venezuela' despite U.S. capture of Maduro
NPR••nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela but is exerting financial and military leverage, including an "oil quarantine" enforced by naval vessels, to influence the country away from former-President Nicolas Maduro's control.
- Rubio highlighted that U.S. military efforts, including Coast Guard law enforcement, are aimed at enforcing sanctions and applying pressure on Maduro's allies, with recent actions involving strikes on drug boats and seizure of oil tankers near Venezuela.
- Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton supported a continued pressure campaign targeting Maduro's military and security allies, specifically naming interim President Delcy Rodríguez as a key figure to confront.
- President Trump's administration faces domestic opposition, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condem
