Washington’s Ultimatum: Direct Message to Maduro Amid Naval Blockade and "Cocaine Cratel" Allegations

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a stark demand on Monday, stating that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro "must go." Speaking to Fox News, Noem emphasized that the ongoing naval operations are a global message against Maduro’s "illegal activities." This follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to blockade sanctioned oil vessels, resulting in the seizure of two ships and the pursuit of a third.

The U.S. has labeled Maduro’s administration as the "Cartel of the Suns," a terrorist drug-trafficking organization, offering a $50 million bounty for his arrest. With the world’s largest aircraft carrier stationed in the Caribbean, U.S. forces have destroyed approximately 30 vessels and killed 104 individuals in suspected smuggling strikes. While international law experts question the legality of these lethal operations, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that the President intends to "keep blowing up boats" until Maduro yields to U.S. pressure.