Kathrine Frich
A leading US senator has issued a stark warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, suggesting he flee to Russia or China as tensions escalate in the Caribbean.
The remarks, made by Republican Senator Rick Scott during an interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, have heightened speculation over Washington’s next moves in the region.
Sharp warning to Maduro
“If I were Maduro, I would go to Russia or China right now,” Scott said in a firm tone, calling the Venezuelan leader’s position “untenable.” He added: “Whether it comes from within or from without, something will happen.”
The Florida senator, a long-standing critic of Maduro’s socialist government, declared that “his days are numbered” as the United States increases its military presence near Venezuelan waters.
However, he downplayed the likelihood of a full-scale invasion.
“I don’t think the US military will start a war,” he said. “If they did, I would be surprised. The American public is tired of endless wars, but troops could intervene in the world if necessary.”
Military buildup in the Caribbean
The warning comes amid a visible expansion of US military activity in the region.
According to news.ro, President Donald Trump has approved covert CIA operations as part of an anti-drug campaign that also targets Venezuela’s leadership.
Since early September, US forces have carried out air strikes in Caribbean waters against vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking.
Washington has deployed seven warships to the Caribbean and one to the Gulf of Mexico, officially as part of the same operation.
Trump also announced the deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald R. Reagan, to the area.
One of the vessels, the USS Gravely, docked in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on Saturday for joint exercises with local forces.
Maduro defiant
President Maduro has repeatedly rejected Washington’s accusations of drug trafficking and regime corruption.
In a televised speech last week, he accused the US of fabricating “an eternal war.”
“They promised never to go to war again, and now they are inventing a war that we will avoid,” Maduro said.
Senator Scott, however, argued that Washington remains committed to defending democracy in Latin America.
“America will take care of the southern hemisphere and watch over the freedom of democracy,” he said, predicting that Maduro’s fall could trigger “a domino effect” leading to the “end of Cuba,” which relies heavily on Venezuelan oil subsidies.
Sources: CBS News, news.ro, Digi24, Reuters.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
