U.S. special operations forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday, an action U.S. officials say involved Delta Force entering his compound. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuban leaders they should be concerned, accusing Cuba of exerting major influence over Venezuelan security forces. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reportedly transported aboard the USS Iwo Jima to face indictments in the Southern District of New York on narcotics and weapons charges. Democrats criticized the operation for lacking congressional authorization and warned of unpredictable consequences.
Rubio Warns Cuban Leaders After U.S. Forces Capture Maduro: "I'd Be Concerned"
Rubio sends warning to Cuba’s leaders after Maduro’s removal: ‘I’d be concerned’
U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday, touching off a tense diplomatic exchange between Washington, Havana and Caracas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuban leaders that they should be worried about the implications of the operation, which U.S. officials said was conducted by Delta Force operators who breached Maduro’s compound.
Rubio’s Remarks:
"In some cases, one of the biggest problems Venezuelans have is they have to declare independence from Cuba," Rubio told reporters at a press conference at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He described Cuba’s leadership as "run by incompetent, senile men," and said Maduro’s security apparatus and intelligence services were heavily influenced by Cuban personnel.
Rubio added, "So, yeah, look, if I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned at least a little bit." His comments framed Cuba as a significant security actor in Venezuela, a claim Havana strongly disputes.
White House Statement:
President Trump, speaking before Rubio, said the administration "wants to surround ourselves with good neighbors" and described Cuba as "not doing very well right now" and a "failing nation." Trump said the U.S. aims to help both people inside Cuba and Cuban exiles living in the United States.
Cuban Reaction:
Cuban officials condemned the operation. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla posted on X that Havana denounced what he called "military aggression" by the United States against Venezuela and described Maduro’s detention as a "kidnapping" of its legitimate president and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Details of the Operation and Legal Actions:
U.S. officials reported explosions in Caracas and other Venezuelan states early Saturday as special operations forces penetrated Maduro’s compound. The U.S. said Delta Force seized Maduro and his wife; President Trump said the couple were aboard the USS Iwo Jima and en route to New York to face charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced indictments filed in the Southern District of New York charging Maduro and Flores with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices, and related conspiracies, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Domestic Political Response:
Democratic lawmakers criticized the operation as undertaken without congressional authorization. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called Maduro "an illegitimate dictator" but said seizing him "without congressional authorization and without a credible plan for what comes next is reckless."
What Comes Next:
At the press conference, President Trump said the U.S. would "run" Venezuela temporarily to ensure a safe transition, adding that a group would oversee governance until a stable arrangement is in place. The announcement raises complex questions about U.S. legal authority, international law and the diplomatic fallout with regional partners.
Note: This article summarizes statements and claims made by U.S. and Cuban officials and reports from the scene. Some details remain subject to official confirmation and legal proceedings.
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