Pompeo vows no letup in pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that the Trump administration will not cease its pressure on Nicolás Maduro until the embattled Venezuelan president understands his administration’s “days are numbered.”

“We’re going to do the things that need to be done to make sure that the Venezuelan people’s voice, that democracy reigns and that there’s a brighter future for the people of Venezuela,” Pompeo said on “Fox News Sunday.”

Pompeo said the Trump administration would continue to back opposition leader Juan Guaidó and strengthen a global coalition to support his claim as the country’s interim leader. The secretary of State also cited U.S. efforts to get humanitarian aid into Venezuela.

{mosads}President Trump and top administration officials have said “all options are on the table,” refusing to rule out the possible use of military force.

Tensions rose in recent days as Guaidó announced on Saturday that the first trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived from Brazil. Maduro has cut diplomatic ties with neighboring countries and blocked humanitarian aid from entering its borders.

The standoff turned deadly as the Venezuelan National Guard fired tear gas and ammunition at civilians near the country’s border with Brazil, killing at least two people and injuring numerous others.

Pompeo on Saturday condemned the violence, and called Maduro’s efforts to prevent aid from getting into the country the actions of a “sick tyrant.”

“We’re very hopeful in the days and weeks and months ahead the Maduro regime will understand that the Venezuelan people have made its days numbered,” he said on Sunday.

On possible military option in #Venezuela, @SecPompeo tells Chris: Every option is on the table, we’re going to do the things that need to be done to make sure that the Venezuelans people’s voice, that democracy reigns & that there’s a brighter future for the people of Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/BnuipPLDDe

— FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) February 24, 2019