Maduro condemns US military movements

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated that the warships the US has deployed to the Caribbean pose a serious threat to his country, describing the situation as "absolutely criminal." During a meeting attended by international press members, Maduro stated that the US is targeting Venezuela with eight warships and 1,200 guided missiles.

US MILITARY MOVEMENTS AND MADURO'S REACTION

Maduro claimed that the US military buildup is aimed at "regime change" and emphasized that they would not bow to this situation. Stating that an invasion of Venezuela is impossible, Maduro labeled US Secretary of State Marco Rubio a "warlord" and alleged that Rubio seeks regime change through military threats.

Among the US accusations against Venezuela is that Maduro leads a drug trafficking organization called the "Cartel de los Soles" and uses this organization to ship drugs from Colombia to the US. Within the framework of these charges, Washington is offering a 50 million dollar reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro.

BACKGROUND OF THE MILITARY THREAT

US President Donald Trump has returned to his unfinished business with Venezuela from his first presidential term. Trump accused Maduro of being a drug cartel leader and designated this structure as a foreign terrorist organization. Following this, the US sent warships and troops to the Venezuelan coast under the pretext of combating drug trafficking.

This move by the US has sparked debates over whether it is an operation genuinely focused on drug trafficking or a preparation for a coup. US officials state that the military force dispatched to the region goes beyond a standard anti-drug operation.

RUBIO'S VENEZUELA POLICY

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims that the Maduro regime is supported by Cuban intelligence and that Venezuela supports the Cuban economy with cheap oil. Rubio believes that Maduro will either step down from power voluntarily or that military officials around him will remove him from office. Inflation in Venezuela reaching 172 percent is increasing public discontent due to the economic situation.

Rubio's upcoming visits to Mexico and Ecuador are being closely watched regarding developments in Venezuela. It is noted that these visits could play an important role in shaping US policy toward Venezuela.