Venezuela kicks off military drills over US sanctions

World
Europe

Venezuela kicks off two days of military drills on Saturday in response to US President Donald Trump's threat of military action and newly announced sanctions on the crisis-stricken nation.

Trump warned on August 11 that the US was mulling a range of options against Venezuela, "including a possible military option if necessary."

His Vice President Mike Pence later played down the threat, insisting that Washington was prioritizing a diplomatic solution and economic sanctions.

Venezuelan militias demonstrate their support to the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and against US President Donald Trump, in Caracas on August 14, 2017. /AFP Photo

National Security Adviser HR McMaster followed suit, saying "no military actions are anticipated in the near future."

But tension only surged again when the White House made good on the sanctions threat on Friday, unveiling its first-ever sanctions to target Venezuela as a whole, rather than just Maduro and his inner circle.

The measures ban trade in new bonds issued by the Venezuelan government or its cash-cow oil company, PDVSA.

Venezuela called the measures the "worst aggression" yet.

"We will protect our people and the people of the republic, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, are going to stand up," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza.

Trump's threat of military force has bolstered Maduro's oft-repeated claim that Washington is plotting to topple him and wants to grab control of Venezuela's oil, the largest proven reserves in the world. Maduro says the violence and the economic crisis are a US-backed conspiracy.

14416km

Source(s): AFP