US secretary of state reiterates: Maduro heads Cartel de Los Soles

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated his claim that Nicolás Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela, describing him instead as the head of the Cartel de los Soles, which Rubio characterised as a narco-terrorist organisation that has taken control of the country. 

In a repost of remarks he originally made on July 27 on X, Rubio said Maduro is under US indictment for allegedly trafficking drugs into the United States, Caliber.Az reports.

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— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 3, 2026

The comments resurfaced amid US large-scales strike against Venezuela, with US President Donald Trump informing that the US forces have captured Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the coutnry. Trump did not provide details about the operation, including where or how Maduro was detained or where he was being held.

According to a Republican senator, Rubio later indicated that he does not anticipate further US military or political action against Venezuela following Maduro’s capture. Senator Mike Lee said he confirmed Maduro’s arrest in a phone call with Rubio, stating that the Venezuelan leader would be brought to the United States to stand trial on criminal charges.

The US government has long accused Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking network, allegations that Maduro has repeatedly denied.

By Sabina Mammadli