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US sanctions six Venezuelan security officials over blocking aid

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The United States imposed sanctions Friday on six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country's opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro.

"We are sanctioning members of Maduro's security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths, and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard, and Jesus Maria Mantilla Oliveros, commander of a unit tasked by Maduro with reinforcing security on the Brazilian border, the Treasury Department said.

The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States by the six security officials as well as US financial dealings with them.

Troops with Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard were out in force on the border with Colombia...
Troops with Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard were out in force on the border with Colombia to prevent foreign aid to come into the country
Luis ROBAYO, AFP/File

The United States, backed by Colombia and Brazil, last weekend tried to push badly needed aid into the crisis-torn country in coordination with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognized as interim president.

Venezuelan forces blocked the operation, fearing it was a precursor to an invasion as President Donald Trump has not ruled out the use of force to depose Maduro.

Four people were killed in the ensuing melee and Guaido was stuck outside Venezuela, although he has vowed to return.

"The United States strongly supports the efforts of Interim President Juan Guaido, and Treasury will continue to target Maduro loyalists prolonging the suffering of the victims of this man-made humanitarian crisis," Mnuchin said.

Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US and European-backed resolution at the United Nations that would have called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and unimpeded deliveries of humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a rally as the US increases its efforts to bolster his opp...
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a rally as the US increases its efforts to bolster his opposition rival, Juan Guaido
Federico PARRA, AFP

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, receiving Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Moscow on Friday, said that Russia was stepping up shipments of wheat into Venezuela and was considering more shipments of medical supplies after sending 7.5 tonnes worth.

"We are very closely cooperating and coordinating all our steps in the international arena," Lavrov said.

"This has acquired special significance now that Venezuela is facing a frontal attack and unabashed interference in its domestic affairs," he said.

Guaido has said that 300,000 people could die without an influx of aid into Venezuela, where Maduro's leftist government presides over a crumbling economy in a crisis that according to the United Nations has caused 2.7 million people to flee since 2015.

The Trump administration has rejected Maduro's appeals for direct talks, saying there is nothing to negotiate so long as he stays in power.

The United States imposed sanctions Friday on six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country’s opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro.

“We are sanctioning members of Maduro’s security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths, and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard, and Jesus Maria Mantilla Oliveros, commander of a unit tasked by Maduro with reinforcing security on the Brazilian border, the Treasury Department said.

The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States by the six security officials as well as US financial dealings with them.

Troops with Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard were out in force on the border with Colombia...

Troops with Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard were out in force on the border with Colombia to prevent foreign aid to come into the country
Luis ROBAYO, AFP/File

The United States, backed by Colombia and Brazil, last weekend tried to push badly needed aid into the crisis-torn country in coordination with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognized as interim president.

Venezuelan forces blocked the operation, fearing it was a precursor to an invasion as President Donald Trump has not ruled out the use of force to depose Maduro.

Four people were killed in the ensuing melee and Guaido was stuck outside Venezuela, although he has vowed to return.

“The United States strongly supports the efforts of Interim President Juan Guaido, and Treasury will continue to target Maduro loyalists prolonging the suffering of the victims of this man-made humanitarian crisis,” Mnuchin said.

Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US and European-backed resolution at the United Nations that would have called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and unimpeded deliveries of humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a rally as the US increases its efforts to bolster his opp...

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a rally as the US increases its efforts to bolster his opposition rival, Juan Guaido
Federico PARRA, AFP

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, receiving Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Moscow on Friday, said that Russia was stepping up shipments of wheat into Venezuela and was considering more shipments of medical supplies after sending 7.5 tonnes worth.

“We are very closely cooperating and coordinating all our steps in the international arena,” Lavrov said.

“This has acquired special significance now that Venezuela is facing a frontal attack and unabashed interference in its domestic affairs,” he said.

Guaido has said that 300,000 people could die without an influx of aid into Venezuela, where Maduro’s leftist government presides over a crumbling economy in a crisis that according to the United Nations has caused 2.7 million people to flee since 2015.

The Trump administration has rejected Maduro’s appeals for direct talks, saying there is nothing to negotiate so long as he stays in power.

AFP
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With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

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