U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that the Cuban government is a major problem, and an even bigger problem for the Cuban people.
He made this statement on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, in response to a question about whether Cuba would be the next target of the United States.
However, Rubio indicated that he would not discuss future actions and corresponding policies at this time.
He emphasized that it is no secret that the U.S. does not like the Cuban regime that backs Maduro. Cuba controls Maduro’s security forces and equipment. People do not realize that in some sense, Venezuela has been colonized by Cuba. Cuba is one of the forces deliberately intervening within Maduro’s regime. The people protecting Maduro are Cubans, not Venezuelans.
The U.S. Has Legal Authority Over Venezuela
Rubio stressed that the United States has legal authority to govern Venezuela, and that naval vessels will continue to enforce sanctions at sea.
Responding to ABC's "This Week" host Stephanopoulos’ question, he explained that the U.S. exercises legal authority by imposing isolation through sanctions. In simple terms, the court has already issued orders, many ships have been sanctioned, and the court has also ordered tracking and seizure of these targets under sanction. Doesn’t the court represent legal authority?
He pointed out that U.S. governance pushes things forward—the U.S. both possesses strength and exerts influence. In the coming weeks, Venezuela will resume oil pumping operations, and U.S. warships will remain in nearby waters. Any oil tankers either carrying oil, preparing to load, or already under prohibition will be intercepted.
32 Cubans Dead
The Cuban government issued a statement on the 5th, reporting that 32 Cubans have died during the process in which the United States forcibly took control from Maduro.