- Region:
- America
- Category:
- Politics
US claims Russia talked Maduro out of Cuba escape
Mike Pompeo says Washington had indications that Maduro was ready to leave Venezuela, but Russia convinced him to stay.
Venezuelan media is reporting that dozens of people were injured in Caracas today after the attempted mutiny against Maduro. The Efecto Cocuyo website says at least 69 people were taken to hospital; two of them having received gun shot wounds.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that acting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been preparing to go into exile in Cuba earlier in the day, but was convinced by Russia to stay in Venezuela.
"He had an airplane on the tarmac, he was ready to leave this morning as we understand it, and the Russians indicated that he should stay," he said without mentioning who had provided the information.
"He was headed for Havana."
Separately, President Donald Trump threatened a "full and complete embargo" and sanctions on Cuba if the country refused to stop providing Venezuela with military support.
"If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump wrote on Twitter.
"Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!"