Rubio Vows to Eliminate Hezbollah and Iranian Presence in Venezuela Following Maduro's Capture
Nicolas Maduro was captured in Caracas by U.S. forces, prompting Senator Marco Rubio to vow the removal of Hezbollah and Iranian operations from Venezuela. Rubio stated on CBS and NBC programs that there will be no Iran or Hezbollah presence in Venezuela in the 21st century.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist organization, is responsible for attacks such as the 1983 U.S. embassy bombing, which killed 63 people, and the Beirut Marine barracks bombing, which killed 241. The organization has maintained a presence in Venezuela since the mid-1980s, expanding its activity after former President Hugo Chávez came to power and allegedly gaining access to state institutions and passports. Hezbollah networks reportedly extend across Latin America.
Margarita Island in Venezuela has been cited as a logistics hub for Hezbollah activities, including financial operations and alleged narcotics trafficking. There are also reported links to Iranian and Hezbollah operations targeting Iranian dissidents.
Analysts state that dismantling Hezbollah networks in Venezuela will depend on the post-Maduro regime, with U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism agencies expected to play a leading role. Hezbollah condemned the U.S. action, labeling it terrorist aggression and reaffirming its solidarity with Venezuela.
