Rubio says Venezuela was 'colonized' by Cuba and Cuba 'is in a lot of trouble'.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuban personnel have deeply influenced Venezuela's security apparatus and described an active U.S. oil quarantine enforced through court orders.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed recent U.S. actions related to Venezuela and the role of Cuba within the Venezuelan regime. He described Cuban personnel as deeply embedded in Venezuela's internal security and said that U.S. measures targeting Venezuela's oil remain in effect. Rubio also said the administration will seek congressional approval when legally required and notify Congress otherwise. What officials said: - Rubio said Cuban personnel guarded Maduro and ran parts of the regime's internal security, calling that presence a form of "colonization." - He said the specific operation discussed did not require congressional approval and that Washington will seek approval only for actions that legally require it, with congressional notifications in other cases. - Rubio said the United States has a quarantine on Venezuelan oil that is enforced with court orders allowing the seizure of sanctioned vessels, and that the quarantine remains in place. Summary: Rubio characterized Cuban influence inside Venezuela's security organs as extensive and affirmed that U.S. measures, including an oil quarantine backed by court orders, are active. He said Congress will be involved when actions legally require approval and that court-authorized enforcement will continue as needed.