Marco Rubio on Transnational Criminal Groups and Venezuelan Regime's Role

Primary Threat to the US

• ⚠️ The single most serious threat to the United States from the Western Hemisphere originates from transnational terrorist criminal groups, primarily focused on narco-trafficking.
• 🌐 These groups are involved in various other businesses beyond drug trafficking.

Regional Cooperation Against Threats

• ✅ Many countries in the region openly cooperate with the US to confront these challenges, including Mexico, which has achieved its highest level of cooperation historically.
• 🤝 Positive cooperation is noted from most of Central America (except Nicaragua and to some extent Honduras), Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama.
• 🏝️ Caribbean nations like Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic also openly cooperate.
• 🇨🇴 Even Colombia, despite its current president, maintains strong institutional ties and cooperation with the US.

Venezuela's Lack of Cooperation and Support for Illicit Groups

• 🚫 The illegitimate regime in Venezuela is singled out for its lack of cooperation with the US.
• 🤝 Instead of cooperating against criminal elements, Venezuela openly collaborates with terrorist and criminal groups, inviting Hezbollah and Iran to operate from its territory.
• 🇻🇪 The regime also allows ELN and FARC dissident groups to operate and control Venezuelan territory unimpeded.
• 💰 Furthermore, Venezuela is known to be in cahoots with drug trafficking organizations, not just failing to work against them but actively cooperating with them.

Broader US Efforts in the Hemisphere

• 🇭🇹 The US is establishing a gang suppression force in Haiti, with pledges for up to 7,500 forces from various countries and donor funding.
• 🌎 The overarching goal is to bring security and stability to the hemisphere through comprehensive efforts and partnerships with willing countries.
• 🔍 Venezuela's regime stands out because it actively cooperates with terrorist groups, making it a significant focus.