US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said the United States has no plans to take additional military action in Venezuela, while defending the Trump administration’s recent operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the US is not positioned, nor does it intend, to carry out any military action in Venezuela, adding that the only American military presence in the country would be marine guards at the US Embassy in Caracas.

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He noted that President Donald Trump, as commander‑in‑chief, never rules out any options to protect US national interests. However, the use of force would only be considered in response to a direct threat, such as the presence of an Iranian drone facility targeting US forces.

Rubio said the January 3 operation to capture Maduro was aimed at removing what the US considered a major national security threat in the Western Hemisphere. Responding to concerns that Maduro’s capture could amount to an act of war, Rubio emphasised that Washington retains the right to act in its national interest and to ensure its security.

He expressed optimism that the situation in Venezuela is improving, noting that progress has been made over the past month. Rubio reiterated that Washington’s ultimate goal is a democratic transition in Venezuela, with free, fair, and prosperous elections, and a future that is friendly to the US.

He added that Venezuela had once been a strong US ally before the era of former President Hugo Chavez, and Washington hopes to restore that relationship, though the process is still in its early stages.

#With inputs from Agencies