Rubio says US ready to use force to ensure Venezuela's cooperation

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration is ready to use force to ensure cooperation from Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez. He believes her self-interest will drive her to open the energy sector to US companies.

Rubio's remarks came during a congressional hearing, marking his first public appearance since the US raid that captured Nicolás Maduro. Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges and has pleaded not guilty.

Rubio emphasized, “We are prepared to use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other methods fail.” As tensions rise, Rodríguez asserted that Venezuela has “had enough” of US interference.

Democrats criticized the military actions as illegal and claimed they might entangle the US further in Venezuelan affairs.