US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Wednesday that Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, could face the same fate as ousted former president Nicolas Maduro if she fails to comply with US conditions. Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, Rubio said Rodriguez is well aware of Maduro’s downfall and that Washington believes her personal interests align with US objectives. He emphasized that the US is prepared to use force if other means fail, citing President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks.

Rubio strongly defended the January 3 US commando raid in Caracas that captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were later taken to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. He described the operation as a success that avoided American casualties or a prolonged military occupation. Venezuelan authorities, however, claimed that over a hundred Venezuelan and Cuban nationals were killed while trying to resist the raid.

President Trump is reportedly pressuring Rodriguez to ensure her government acts in favor of US oil company interests, according to the report.