US may add Venezuela to terrorism sponsors list: report

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The Trump administration is preparing to add Venezuela to a US list of state sponsors of terrorism, The Washington Post reported on Monday, citing US officials and internal government emails.

Analysts say the move could escalate Washington's diplomatic struggle with the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

The list is reserved for governments accused of repeatedly providing "support for acts of international terrorism" and includes Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Sudan and Syria, The Post said.

The US State Department had been asking for feedback on the proposed move from various agencies in recent days, but it said US officials declined to say whether a final decision had been made about the designation.

Early this month, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to bar US citizens and entities from involvement in the trade of gold from Venezuela.

Maduro condemned the newest American sanctions on the OPEC member state as "criminal" and "crazy."

Despite his aides' opposition, Trump also said in August last year that he would not rule out a "military option" in Venezuela "if necessary."

(With inputs from agencies)