Rubio Questions Maduro Capture Operation on CBS

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about the recent operation that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” He also critiqued host Margaret Brennan’s line of questioning.

Brennan pointed out during the interview that, despite the regime being intact, it seems odd that the Trump administration chose to arrest Maduro while leaving the rest of the regime in place. She listed several regime officials who have faced indictments, asking, “Are they still wanted by the United States? If the goal is to dismantle this narco-terrorist regime, why haven’t they been arrested yet?”

Rubio’s response was quite direct. “Confused? I don’t know why it’s confusing,” he stated. He acknowledged that they were still in power but pushed back on the idea of capturing multiple officials simultaneously. “Imagine the backlash if we had to stay longer to get the others,” he remarked.

He emphasized the complexity of the operation, noting that it required significant planning. “We prioritized the top targets — the one claiming to be president and his wife, who was also indicted. It was a complicated mission,” he explained. Brennan conceded that the operation had indeed been sophisticated.

Rubio elaborated on the logistical hurdles involved, like landing a helicopter at a large military base, breaching Maduro’s home, and managing the entire process without American casualties. He questioned why other officials weren’t apprehended at the same time, deeming it “ridiculous.”

Wrapping up his thoughts, he reiterated that capturing Maduro was only part of the broader military strategy the Trump administration was pursuing. On January 3, the operation successfully executed Maduro’s arrest, transferring him and his wife, Cilia Flores, into U.S. custody, with federal charges quickly following.