Rubio says Venezuelan boat posed immediate threat, warns U.S. military will continue targeting cartels

Key Takeaways:

• A Venezuelan boat was deemed an immediate threat, leading to a U.S. military strike.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns future strikes “will happen again.”
• Rubio says previous U.S. interdiction tactics in Latin America have not worked.
• The article was published by Tribune Star on September 3, 2025.
• The incident is framed as part of broader efforts to target cartels.

Introduction

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is defending a U.S. strike on a boat operated by an alleged Venezuelan gang, describing it as a necessary measure against a vessel that posed an “immediate threat.” According to Rubio, the operation was critical in demonstrating the U.S. government’s determination to curb criminal activities linked to international cartels.

The “Immediate Threat”

In his remarks, Rubio asserted that U.S. forces acted swiftly because the Venezuelan boat represented a direct danger. Although he did not detail the specific circumstances that led to that conclusion, Rubio maintained the urgency required to neutralize what he called a credible risk to U.S. interests.

Rubio’s Position and Warnings

Rubio explicitly warned observers that similar interventions “will happen again.” He underscored the importance of projecting strength to deter illicit operations, insisting that continued action is essential to disrupt the networks of cartels he views as major security concerns.

Previous Efforts in Latin America

The Secretary of State also took the opportunity to critique earlier U.S. strategies in Latin America. Rubio suggested that longstanding drug interdiction programs have not succeeded in stamping out illegal activities. According to his assessment, a more assertive stance is warranted to make any lasting impact on organized crime in the region.

Conclusion

Rubio’s statements reflect a heightened commitment to pursuing cartel-related threats, wherever they emerge. By characterizing the Venezuelan boat as an imminent danger and alleging that past approaches have failed, Rubio laid out a rationale for continued U.S. military involvement and reiterated his stance that moves like this are justified—and will likely be repeated.