Rubio Vows to Eradicate Hezbollah and Iranian Influence in Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the wake of the dramatic capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special operations forces in Caracas, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared an end to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist group’s longstanding operations in Venezuela. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the U.S. campaign to dismantle malign foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese organization backed by Iran, has maintained a substantial presence in Venezuela since the mid-1980s, exploiting the local Lebanese diaspora to establish networks that have expanded throughout Latin America. This presence intensified under the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who consolidated power in 2002, allowing Hezbollah operatives to infiltrate Venezuelan state institutions, including security agencies. Reports indicate that Hezbollah members have acquired Venezuelan passports and legal documentation, facilitating their activities across the region, extending into Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and reportedly reaching the U.S.–Mexico border.
Rubio, speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, emphasized the administration’s resolve: “It’s very simple, OK? In the 21st century, under the Trump administration, we are not going to have a country like Venezuela in our own hemisphere, in the sphere of control and the crossroads for Hezbollah, for Iran and for every other malign influence in the world. That’s just not gonna exist.” He reiterated this commitment on NBC’s Meet the Press, stating unequivocally, “No more Iran/Hezbollah presence there.”
Hezbollah’s history of violence against U.S. interests is well documented, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, which killed 241 American military personnel, and the 1983 U.S. embassy bombing that claimed 63 lives. The group’s expansion into Latin America has raised concerns among U.S. national security officials, who view Venezuela as a strategic foothold for Iran and its proxies to project power in the region.
Walid Phares, a prominent expert on Hezbollah and advisor to U.S. presidential candidates, told Fox News Digital that Hezbollah’s infiltration of Venezuela has been a significant security concern since the 9/11 attacks. He noted, “Hezbollah has a long history in Venezuela and has emerged as a significant security concern in Latin America, particularly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The origins of Hezbollah’s presence in Venezuela date back to the mid-1980s, when the organization began recruiting members from segments of the local Lebanese diaspora.”
The U.S. Department of State has designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and the Department of Homeland Security continues to monitor its activities closely. The capture of Maduro, who U.S. officials have described as a narco-terrorist with extensive ties to illicit networks, is seen as a pivotal moment in disrupting these operations. According to the State Department’s Foreign Terrorist Organizations list, Hezbollah’s presence in Venezuela has facilitated the trafficking of narcotics and weapons, further destabilizing the region.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended the operation ahead of a Security Council meeting, citing the U.S. right to self-defense and highlighting Venezuela’s strategic alliances with China, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. The operation has garnered mixed international reactions, but many U.S. officials and analysts view it as a necessary step toward restoring stability in Latin America.
As the Venezuelan vice president assumes control to ensure a smooth transition, Rubio’s vow signals a broader U.S. strategy to eliminate terrorist networks and malign foreign influence from the hemisphere. The Department of Homeland Security and other agencies are expected to intensify efforts to monitor and dismantle Hezbollah-linked networks throughout the Americas.
With Maduro’s removal and Rubio’s firm stance, the United States aims to close a critical chapter in the fight against terrorism and narcotics trafficking in the region, reinforcing its commitment to hemispheric security and the rule of law.
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