Venezuela boosts border security amid Rubio’s ‘extremism’, US warship deployment
President Nicolas Maduro warned Washington’s move to counter drug cartels risked becoming a debacle
Venezuela has vowed to reinforce security along its border with Colombia as President Donald Trump’s administration sends US warships to the southern Caribbean.
President Nicolas Maduro used his weekly television show to confirm he ordered the deployment of 15,000 “well armed and trained” men and women to the states of Zulia and Tachira. He also singled out Trump’s top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning the US move risked becoming a debacle.
“Unfortunately this gentleman, with his madness and extremism, could lead President Donald Trump to the worst possible scenario in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Maduro said on Monday evening. “We will emerge victorious from this situation.”
The Venezuelan forces will be joined by an unspecified number of boats, aircraft and drones, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said earlier at a news conference.
At least three US warships, carrying more than 4,000 sailors and Marines, are set to approach the region to counter drug cartels. Trump has rattled Latin American leaders by reportedly ordering the Defence Department to prepare for potential military operations.
Venezuela is already in talks with Colombia’s defence ministry for the security reinforcement at the border, Maduro said, adding that he expected the negotiations to “go well”.