Does the Venezuela Regime Support Criminal Groups?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rubio's allegations highlight the Venezuelan regime's alleged connections to criminal groups.
- Venezuela is accused of allowing foreign militant groups to operate within its borders.
- US cooperation with regional partners like Mexico is cited as being at a historic high.
- The situation reflects broader concerns about regional stability and security.
- Venezuela faces ongoing challenges due to US sanctions and internal strife.
Washington, Dec 20 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused the Venezuelan government of collaborating with criminal and terrorist organizations, labeling it as a destabilizing force in the Western Hemisphere.
“There’s one location that doesn’t engage in cooperation, and that is the illegitimate regime in Venezuela,” Rubio stated.
He claimed that the Venezuelan authorities align with armed groups.
“Not only do they refuse to collaborate with us, but they also openly work with terrorists and criminal factions,” Rubio asserted.
According to Rubio, the regime permits foreign militant groups to function within its borders.
“They actively invite Hezbollah and Iran to conduct operations from their territory,” he mentioned, adding that Venezuela also allows ELN and FARC dissidents to operate “without hindrance.”
Rubio pointed out that Venezuela acts as a central hub for narcotics trafficking.
“They collaborate with drug trafficking organizations,” Rubio emphasized.
In contrast, he commended cooperation from other regional partners.
“The good news is we have numerous countries in the region that openly collaborate and work alongside us,” he said, mentioning Mexico and Central American nations.
Rubio highlighted that US-Mexico collaboration is at an all-time high. “Mexico’s level of cooperation with us is at its peak in history,” he noted.
He also referenced regional security initiatives. “We’ve received commitments of up to 7,500 personnel from various nations,” Rubio said, referring to a multinational effort to stabilize Haiti.
Venezuela has been subject to US sanctions for years, amid claims of democratic decline, corruption, and human rights violations. The country has faced economic collapse, mass emigration, and political oppression.
Washington has accused Caracas of undermining regional stability while seeking alliances with neighboring governments to combat organized crime and migration issues.