US President Donald Trump declines to rule out military action against Venezuela, as his administration enforces an oil blockade and sanctions.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump (pic) has left open the possibility of war with Venezuela.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump was asked directly about the prospect of a war with the South American nation.
“I don’t rule it out, no,” he replied.
Trump declined to specify whether his goal was to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“He knows exactly what I want,” Trump said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the president’s firm stance during a lengthy press conference.
“It is clear that the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States,” Rubio stated.
He affirmed the administration’s goal is to change that dynamic.
Rubio vowed to enforce a US blockade on Venezuela’s oil shipments, a critical revenue source for Caracas.
“There’s nothing that’s going to impede our ability to enforce US law when it comes to sanctions,” he said.
The administration has not sought a formal declaration of war from Congress.
Rubio said no action had yet crossed the threshold requiring congressional approval.
The Republican-controlled House recently rejected a measure to restrict Trump from attacking Venezuela without lawmakers’ consent.
Public opinion polling shows most American voters oppose military action in Venezuela.
A Quinnipiac poll this month found 63% of voters opposed, with only 25% in favour.
The Trump administration has imposed fresh sanctions on associates of Maduro’s family.
It argues its military posture in the region is a response to drug trafficking allegations. – AFP
