The Trump administration has sanctioned Venezuela’s oil chief and key intelligence officials under President Nicolas Maduro, tightening pressure on the embattled leader. The announcement follows recent sanctions targeting the state-run oil company amid a sweeping move to force Maduro from office and support opposition leader Juan Guaido. The new sanctions also target four high-ranking officials of Venezuela’s national intelligence service and a special police force. Maduro frequently blames the White House for mounting a coup against him to colonize Venezuela and steal its vast oil resources. ——12 p.m.U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he sees obvious signs that President Nicolas Maduro is starting to understand Venezuelans reject him as their leader.

Source: National Post February 15, 2019 16:12 UTC