Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Friday that Venezuela is the "largest source of terrorism leading to instability in Central America." Rubio made this statement during a press conference where he highlighted the significant threats his country faces from Central American nations, particularly Venezuela. He accused Venezuela of cooperating with "criminals and terrorism, including Hezbollah and Iran," and allowing these groups to operate freely within its borders. Rubio alleged that these activities occur "with the complicity of the illegitimate Venezuelan government and its president," who he claims are conspiring against the US and facilitating drug trafficking through the Caribbean, which contributes to regional instability.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Rubio underscored the cooperation of several regional governments, such as Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, with the US in counterterrorism efforts. He also commended Mexico's historical efforts in curbing smuggling operations since the administration of US President Donald Trump took office last year.
Rubio reaffirmed the US's commitment to confronting all terrorist groups that threaten national security and expressed the intention to expand relations with friendly countries in the region to bolster these efforts. The US administration had previously informed Congress at the beginning of September that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict with terrorist drug gangs in the Caribbean region."