Overview
- An unsealed SDNY indictment shared by Attorney General Pamela Bondi charges Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores with drug‑trafficking and narco‑terrorism conspiracies.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is prepared to work with Venezuela’s remaining leaders if they make “the right decision,” highlighting leverage Washington intends to retain.
- Rubio warned Cuban officials they should be concerned and asserted Cuban personnel permeated Maduro’s security and intelligence services, while President Trump described Cuba as a “failing nation.”
- Cuba staged a large rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana to denounce the operation, with President Miguel Díaz‑Canel calling it a criminal assault and an attack on international law.
- Rubio defended not notifying Congress prior to the operation as necessary for operational security, as Democratic lawmakers questioned the legal basis and authorization for the raid.