By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that the recent US military operation on Venezuela does not amount to a war against the country, arguing instead that Washington is targeting drug trafficking organizations.
"There's not a war," Rubio told NBC News when asked whether the US is now at war with Venezuela.
"We are at war against drug trafficking organizations. It's not a war against Venezuela."
His remarks came a day after President Donald Trump said US military action on Saturday resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, pledging to assert American control over the country for the time being, with US troops if necessary.
Trump accused Maduro of overseeing drug shipments into the US and holding power illegitimately through election fraud. Maduro, who is currently in custody at a New York detention facility pending drug charges, has rejected the allegations, and officials in Caracas have called for his release.
Rubio also said the US will continue to reserve the right to take strikes against boats that are said to be transporting drugs to US shores.