US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 16) hinted that Washington may soon hold talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remark came only hours after the State Department moved toward labelling a cartel it says Maduro controls as a foreign terrorist organisation. Speaking to reporters at the airport in Palm Beach, Trump said, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding that Caracas "would like to talk." This comes as the Pentagon announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/obesity-can-now-get-your-us-visa-denied-unless-you-re-donald-trump-all-you-need-to-know-1763092492815">79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know</a><h2>US to designate alleged Maduro cartel a terrorist group</h2>Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region."Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-penny-for-your-thoughts-us-stops-minting-pennies-after-232-years-here-s-why-1763007463047">'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why</a>Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.

Trump says that the US may open talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug boat while moving to label an alleged Maduro-linked cartel a terrorist group.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 16) hinted that Washington may soon hold talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remark came only hours after the State Department moved toward labelling a cartel it says Maduro controls as a foreign terrorist organisation. Speaking to reporters at the airport in Palm Beach, Trump said, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding that Caracas "would like to talk." This comes as the Pentagon announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific. Also read | 79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know US to designate alleged Maduro cartel a terrorist group Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region. "Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change. Also read | 'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.

Trump says that the US may open talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug boat while moving to label an alleged Maduro-linked cartel a terrorist group.

Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel

Venezuela said Monday (Oct 27) that it had dismantled a CIA-financed cell that was plotting a false-flag attack on a US Navy destroyer stationed near its coast. This comes amid escalating tensions with Washington and neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago. The claim came just hours after the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, docked in Trinidad and Tobago as part of what US President Donald Trump has described as a Caribbean anti-drug campaign. Caracas, however, said the ship’s presence was a “provocation” designed to trigger conflict in the region.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-provoking-a-war-in-caribbean-venezuela-slams-us-exercises-in-trinidad-claims-arrest-of-cia-backed-mercenaries-1761545584808">Trump 'provoking a war in Caribbean'? Venezuela slams US exercises in Trinidad, claims arrest of CIA-backed mercenaries</a><h2>Venezuela busts CIA-backed 'false flag' operation?</h2>Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello alleged that four people were arrested in connection with a plan to attack the Gravely and blame it on Venezuela. He said the group was "financed by the CIA," but gave no details about the suspects or supporting evidence. According to AFP, Venezuela regularly claims to have arrested US-backed mercenaries working with the sole aim of destabilising the Maduro government.<h2>Venezuela suspends gas agreement with Trinidad and Tobago</h2>President Nicolas Maduro, in a separate statement, announced that he has suspended a gas agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, accusing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of turning her country into "an aircraft carrier of the American empire against Venezuela."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-are-fabricating-a-war-maduro-slams-us-after-trump-says-we-re-just-gonna-kill-1761354945867">'They are fabricating a war': Maduro slams US after 'peacemaker' Trump says 'we’re just gonna kill'</a>The Pentagon has deployed seven warships across the Caribbean and one in the Gulf of Mexico since Trump launched his regional operation earlier this year. The US has also announced the upcoming arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and its fleet.Washington insists the deployments are part of efforts to combat narcotics trafficking, but Caracas and some analysts see them as pressure tactics aimed at toppling Maduro’s government, which the United States does not recognise as legitimate.

Venezuela claims to have foiled a CIA-financed “false flag” plot targeting a US Navy destroyer near its coast. Four people were reportedly arrested over plans to attack the USS Gravely and blame Caracas. 

Venezuela said Monday (Oct 27) that it had dismantled a CIA-financed cell that was plotting a false-flag attack on a US Navy destroyer stationed near its coast. This comes amid escalating tensions with Washington and neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago. The claim came just hours after the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, docked in Trinidad and Tobago as part of what US President Donald Trump has described as a Caribbean anti-drug campaign. Caracas, however, said the ship’s presence was a “provocation” designed to trigger conflict in the region. Also read | Trump 'provoking a war in Caribbean'? Venezuela slams US exercises in Trinidad, claims arrest of CIA-backed mercenaries Venezuela busts CIA-backed 'false flag' operation? Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello alleged that four people were arrested in connection with a plan to attack the Gravely and blame it on Venezuela. He said the group was "financed by the CIA," but gave no details about the suspects or supporting evidence. According to AFP, Venezuela regularly claims to have arrested US-backed mercenaries working with the sole aim of destabilising the Maduro government. Venezuela suspends gas agreement with Trinidad and Tobago President Nicolas Maduro, in a separate statement, announced that he has suspended a gas agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, accusing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of turning her country into "an aircraft carrier of the American empire against Venezuela." Also read | 'They are fabricating a war': Maduro slams US after 'peacemaker' Trump says 'we’re just gonna kill' The Pentagon has deployed seven warships across the Caribbean and one in the Gulf of Mexico since Trump launched his regional operation earlier this year. The US has also announced the upcoming arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and its fleet. Washington insists the deployments are part of efforts to combat narcotics trafficking, but Caracas and some analysts see them as pressure tactics aimed at toppling Maduro’s government, which the United States does not recognise as legitimate.

Venezuela claims to have foiled a CIA-financed “false flag” plot targeting a US Navy destroyer near its coast. Four people were reportedly arrested over plans to attack the USS Gravely and blame Caracas.&nbsp;

Venezuela claims foiled CIA-backed ‘false flag’ plot to attack US warship and frame Maduro

An "American spy" arrested near Venezuelan oil installations last week will be charged with "terrorism," Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced Monday.

Venezuela announced the arrest on Friday, saying the man had been spying on two oil refineries when he was captured with cash and weapons.

Seven Venezuelan citizens were arrested in follow-up raids over the weekend, Saab said.

"All the Venezuelan citizens are going to be charged with the crimes of treason, terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association (to commit crimes), while the US citizen is going to be charged with terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association," Saab told state television.

Announcing the arrest on Friday, President Nicolas Maduro said the US citizen had been "spying in Falcon state on the Amuay and Cardon refineries" when he was detained the previous day.

Maduro said the man was a US marine who had previously served "at CIA bases in Iraq."

The arrest occurred after authorities on Wednesday "discovered and dismantled" a "plan to cause an explosion" at El Palito refinery -- the closest to Caracas -- located in Carabobo state.

Last month two former US soldiers, Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, were sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May.

Just hours before Friday's announcement, the Venezuelan government said it was establishing an "emergency plan" intended to regulate "fuel distribution" in light of severe gasoline shortages in the country, where people wait in lines stretching miles to fuel up their vehicles.

An "American spy" arrested near Venezuelan oil installations last week will be charged with "terrorism," Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced Monday. Venezuela announced the arrest on Friday, saying the man had been spying on two oil refineries when he was captured with cash and weapons.

An "American spy" arrested near Venezuelan oil installations last week will be charged with "terrorism," Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced Monday. Venezuela announced the arrest on Friday, saying the man had been spying on two oil refineries when he was captured with cash and weapons. Seven Venezuelan citizens were arrested in follow-up raids over the weekend, Saab said. "All the Venezuelan citizens are going to be charged with the crimes of treason, terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association (to commit crimes), while the US citizen is going to be charged with terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association," Saab told state television. Announcing the arrest on Friday, President Nicolas Maduro said the US citizen had been "spying in Falcon state on the Amuay and Cardon refineries" when he was detained the previous day. Maduro said the man was a US marine who had previously served "at CIA bases in Iraq." The arrest occurred after authorities on Wednesday "discovered and dismantled" a "plan to cause an explosion" at El Palito refinery -- the closest to Caracas -- located in Carabobo state. Last month two former US soldiers, Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, were sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May. Just hours before Friday's announcement, the Venezuelan government said it was establishing an "emergency plan" intended to regulate "fuel distribution" in light of severe gasoline shortages in the country, where people wait in lines stretching miles to fuel up their vehicles.

US 'spy' to be charged with terrorism: Venezuela

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime.

Trump told around two dozen Latin American leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that socialism had "destroyed" oil-rich Venezuela, but that the country's people "will be free."

"Today Venezuelans are starving and they're dying from lack of medicine. We will stand with the Venezuelan people every single day," he said, adding that socialism had "destroyed" the South American country.

Trump simultaneously suspended senior members of the Maduro government from entry into the United States via a proclamation posted on the White House website.

The document said that the President was banning those "who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure Venezuela's democratic institutions or impede the restoration of constitutional government to Venezuela."

Venezuela is gripped by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lima-group-venezuela-crisis-threatens-international-security-238102">an economic and political crisis</a>, with both Maduro and self-declared acting president Juan Guaido claiming to be the country's leader.

The United States, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Guaido as leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-migrant-crisis-to-become-worlds-largest-by-2020-report-231539">Venezuela which is in free fall</a>, hit by low oil prices, mismanagement and the impact of US sanctions.

Most of the international community did not recognize the results of controversial polls that handed Maduro a second term last year.

Trump added at the meeting in a hotel in New York that the United States was "doing everything we can to isolate Maduro and his cronies."

"Venezuela's rebuilding can begin the moment a peaceful transition occurs," he told counterparts, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.

Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-appeals-for-more-help-to-alleviate-venezuela-refugee-crisis-243966">3.6 million people to flee</a> since 2016.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime. Trump told around two dozen Latin American leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that socialism had "destroyed" oil-rich Venezuela, but that the country's people "will be free." "Today Venezuelans are starving and they're dying from lack of medicine. We will stand with the Venezuelan people every single day," he said, adding that socialism had "destroyed" the South American country. Trump simultaneously suspended senior members of the Maduro government from entry into the United States via a proclamation posted on the White House website. The document said that the President was banning those "who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure Venezuela's democratic institutions or impede the restoration of constitutional government to Venezuela." Venezuela is gripped by an economic and political crisis, with both Maduro and self-declared acting president Juan Guaido claiming to be the country's leader. The United States, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Guaido as leader of Venezuela which is in free fall, hit by low oil prices, mismanagement and the impact of US sanctions. Most of the international community did not recognize the results of controversial polls that handed Maduro a second term last year. Trump added at the meeting in a hotel in New York that the United States was "doing everything we can to isolate Maduro and his cronies." "Venezuela's rebuilding can begin the moment a peaceful transition occurs," he told counterparts, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Trump says Venezuelans will end up 'free'

The United States said Sunday it has not ruled out sanctions on Venezuelan oil as it turns the screw on President Nicolas Maduro, but is wary of hurting the country&#39;s people.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is in Argentina during a tour of Latin America to bolster a common front against Venezuela&#39;s bid to hold a presidential election that opponents deem illegitimate.

The top US diplomat has received support from other governments in the Americas, including on Sunday from his Argentine counterpart Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie, but some are cautious about sanctions.

At a joint news conference, Tillerson -- a former chief of oil giant ExxonMobil -- confirmed the ultimate option of sanctioning Venezuela&#39;s key oil sector is under consideration, but that Washington shares its allies&#39; concerns.

Oil-rich and once one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, Venezuela under Maduro faces economic collapse and widespread popular protest. The US, Canada and the European Union have imposed economic sanctions targeting Maduro loyalists seen as profiteers or human rights abusers.

Tillerson did not push back against the suggestion that sanctions on oil might also hurt US companies that have built refineries in the southern United States geared to accept Venezuelan crude.

&quot;Obviously sanctioning oil or prohibiting the oil to be sold in the United States ... is something we continue to consider,&quot; Tillerson said, while acknowledging Faurie&#39;s concerns.&nbsp;

&quot;As the foreign minister indicated, our disagreements are with the Venezuelan regime not with the people, the Venezuelan people are suffering mightily in the current circumstances.&quot;

Tillerson said oil sanctions could be deployed if it is decided that this would bring the crisis to a more rapid end &quot;because not doing anything to bring this to an end is also asking the Venezuelan people to suffer for a much longer time.&quot;

But he added that Washington was also looking at how to &quot;mitigate the impact on US business interests.&quot;

Faurie agreed with Tillerson that Maduro&#39;s attempt to call an election on terms set by Venezuela&#39;s non-elected Constituent Assembly was illegitimate and would be rejected by Argentina.

&quot;As for the sales of oil and trade in oil that exist, that is particularly important, we should closely follow up on this to ensure appropriate balance between what the Venezuelan nation needs and what is being used by the leaders of the Venezuelan government,&quot; he said.

Maduro shot back, in a video on Facebook, saying that Tillerson &quot;has just threatened us with an oil boycott. Well, we are ready. Nothing and nobody is going to stop us.&quot;&nbsp;

Tillerson is due to meet Argentina&#39;s President Mauricio Macri on Monday before flying on to Peru and then Colombia, which has already received around half a million Venezuelan refugees.

He will then visit Jamaica for talks on how regional powers can replace the subsidized oil that Venezuela ships to Caribbean nations, in the event it is hit by sanctions or economic collapse. 
&nbsp;

The United States said Sunday it has not ruled out sanctions on Venezuelan oil as it turns the screw on President Nicolas Maduro, but is wary of hurting the country's people

The United States said Sunday it has not ruled out sanctions on Venezuelan oil as it turns the screw on President Nicolas Maduro, but is wary of hurting the country's people. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is in Argentina during a tour of Latin America to bolster a common front against Venezuela's bid to hold a presidential election that opponents deem illegitimate. The top US diplomat has received support from other governments in the Americas, including on Sunday from his Argentine counterpart Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie, but some are cautious about sanctions. At a joint news conference, Tillerson -- a former chief of oil giant ExxonMobil -- confirmed the ultimate option of sanctioning Venezuela's key oil sector is under consideration, but that Washington shares its allies' concerns. Oil-rich and once one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, Venezuela under Maduro faces economic collapse and widespread popular protest. The US, Canada and the European Union have imposed economic sanctions targeting Maduro loyalists seen as profiteers or human rights abusers. Tillerson did not push back against the suggestion that sanctions on oil might also hurt US companies that have built refineries in the southern United States geared to accept Venezuelan crude. "Obviously sanctioning oil or prohibiting the oil to be sold in the United States ... is something we continue to consider," Tillerson said, while acknowledging Faurie's concerns. "As the foreign minister indicated, our disagreements are with the Venezuelan regime not with the people, the Venezuelan people are suffering mightily in the current circumstances." Tillerson said oil sanctions could be deployed if it is decided that this would bring the crisis to a more rapid end "because not doing anything to bring this to an end is also asking the Venezuelan people to suffer for a much longer time." But he added that Washington was also looking at how to "mitigate the impact on US business interests." Faurie agreed with Tillerson that Maduro's attempt to call an election on terms set by Venezuela's non-elected Constituent Assembly was illegitimate and would be rejected by Argentina. "As for the sales of oil and trade in oil that exist, that is particularly important, we should closely follow up on this to ensure appropriate balance between what the Venezuelan nation needs and what is being used by the leaders of the Venezuelan government," he said. Maduro shot back, in a video on Facebook, saying that Tillerson "has just threatened us with an oil boycott. Well, we are ready. Nothing and nobody is going to stop us." Tillerson is due to meet Argentina's President Mauricio Macri on Monday before flying on to Peru and then Colombia, which has already received around half a million Venezuelan refugees. He will then visit Jamaica for talks on how regional powers can replace the subsidized oil that Venezuela ships to Caribbean nations, in the event it is hit by sanctions or economic collapse.

US mulling sanctions on Venezuela oil: Tillerson

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Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel

Venezuela claims foiled CIA-backed ‘false flag’ strike looking to frame Maduro

US 'spy' to be charged with terrorism: Venezuela

Trump says Venezuelans will end up 'free'

US mulling sanctions on Venezuela oil: Tillerson