Trump warns Venezuela of US ‘military option,’ Caracas calls it ‘crazy’

The crisis in Venezuela could prompt a US military response, President Donald Trump has told reporters. The Pentagon, however, has reportedly not been directed on any such plans.

On Friday, Trump appeared outside his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, alongside Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, where he told reporters that he had “many options” for responding to the Venezuelan crisis.

“The people are suffering and they are dying. We have many options for Venezuela including a possible military option if necessary,” Trump said, according to Reuters.

Trump called Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a “dictator” and blamed him for the humanitarian situation in the country.

Trump did not elaborate as to whether American troops would be leading the military option.

“We don't talk about it,” he said. “But a military operation, a military option, is certainly something we could pursue.”

The US military, however, has not been instructed to provide that option.

“The Pentagon has received no orders,” Department of Defense spokesperson Eric Pahon told Reuters.

Venezuela’s defense minister, Vladimir Padrilo, denounced Trump’s talk of a possible military intervention, labelling it “an act of craziness,” speaking to state TV on Friday evening, as cited by Reuters.

The country's Communications Minister Ernesto Villegas also called Trump's statement "an unprecedented threat to national sovereignty" in a state TV interview.
 [rt.com]
12/8/17