US Secretary of State Defends Maduro Capture at CARICOM Summit

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio today defended the Trump administration’s controversial military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, telling Caribbean leaders that both Venezuela and the wider region are better off as a result.  Rubio made the remarks during a closed-door session with leaders of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at their summit in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. According to a transcript later released by the U.S. State Department, Rubio brushed aside concerns raised by several regional leaders about the legality of last month’s operation.  He told the gathering that, regardless of differing views within the region, Venezuela’s situation has improved since Maduro’s removal, citing what he described as “substantial” progress by interim authorities, including changes that would have been “unimaginable” weeks earlier.  The top U.S. diplomat also sought to ease fears that Washington’s renewed focus on the hemisphere signals antagonism toward Caribbean nations. Rubio said the Trump administration intends to strengthen partnerships across the region, particularly in confronting shared challenges such as transnational crime.  He identified criminal networks as the biggest security threat facing the Caribbean, while acknowledging U.S. concerns about weapons trafficking into the region. Rubio added that Washington is prepared to work with Caribbean states on economic advancement and energy cooperation, noting that several countries are seeking to expand their energy sectors.  Rubio further stressed the U.S. position that Venezuela should move toward fair and democratic elections, arguing that a stable and legitimately governed Venezuela could become an important energy and security partner for Caribbean countries.  At the CARICOM summit, leaders also raised concern about Cuba’s humanitarian situation. CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew warned that the region stands at a decisive moment amid shifting global dynamics, while Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness cautioned that a prolonged crisis in Cuba could have spillover effects on migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean.  The CARICOM meeting continues in St. Kitts and Nevis as regional leaders weigh security, energy, and geopolitical developments affecting the Caribbean basin.