President Donald J. Trump has said military intervention is on the table if necessary to prevent the crisis in Venezuela from spinning out of control, a surprising statement from the president who is reluctant to engage U.S. military abroad.
“The people are suffering and they are dying. We have many options for Venezuela including a possible military option if necessary,” Trump told reporters on Friday.
At least 120 people have been killed in Venezuela over the past months and the unrest in the oil-rich country has only been escalating. Several attempts to push the military to take over the government failed. Anti-government forces have been seen looting arms depots after a creation of legislative super-body in an election U.S. officials described as ”sham.”
The Pentagon said they have not received any instructions from the White House with respect to Venezuela.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury slapped sanctions on eight individuals from Venezuela over their role in the creation of the legislative super-body. Seven of them are current and former senior officials.
