World War 3: Russia warns US: 'Don't invade Venezuela' after 'all options' threat

Mike Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the UN (Image: GETTY)

But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has upped the stakes by telling world leaders they needed to “pick a side” – and launching a veiled attack on China and Russia for backing Mr Maduro’s continued leadership. Mr Trump, who has backed Mr Guaido’s claim, has called President Nicolas Maduro’s government “illegitimate” and, when asked if he was considering deploying US soldiers, told reporters on Wednesday: “We’re not considering anything, but all options are on the table.” Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia described the declaration as “dangerous”.

If it evolves into something more military that is even more regretful.

Vassily Nebenzia

Speaking on the sidelines of a UN Security Council meeting called by the US to discuss the issue, he added: “If it evolves into something more military that is even more regretful.

“We think it should be avoided at any cost.”

The ongoing turmoil in the country saw thousands of protesters calling for Mr Maduro’s resignation tear-gassed by police during as demonstrations in the capital of Caracas turned ugly.

Mr Maduro succeeded former President Hugo Chavez in 2013, and was re-elected in controversial circumstances last year.

The issue has split the international community. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru back Mr Trump’s stance, while Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said on Saturday they would likewise recognise Mr Guaido if Mr Maduro failed to call fresh elections in eight days.

However, Mr Maduro enjoys the continued support of China and Russia, which the Guardian reported yesterday has dispatched private security contractors to protect him.

Mr Pompeo told the UN Mr Maduro’s “socialist experiment” had caused the economy to collapse and reduced ordinary Venezuelans to rooting through dumpsters for food.

He said: “Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side.

Juan Gauido Nicolas Maduro

Juan Gauido is vying to replace Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s President (Image: GETTY)

“Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you’re in league with Maduro and his mayhem,” Pompeo told the council.

“We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela’s democratic transition and interim President Guaido’s role.

In a specific reference to “our Russian and Chinese colleagues”, he added: “It’s not a surprise that those who rule without democracy in their own countries are trying to prop up Maduro while he is in dire straits.”

After Washington’s declaration of support for Guaido, Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with the United States on Wednesday and gave U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Donald Trump James Mattis

Donald Trump with former defense secretary James Mattis, whom he “effectively fired” (Image: GETTY)

Although some diplomats left on Friday, Guaido said the US embassy was still working and that embassy officials had been to visit him.

Mr Trump raised the prospect of military action in the summer, saying: “We have many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option, if necessary.”

Widespread reports suggested Mr Trump may have been talked out oft the idea by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, national security adviser HR McMaster and defence secretary James Mattis.

The idea was floated again in October when Marshall Billingslea, assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury Department said Mr Maduro’s regime posed “a clear threat to regional stability and security” which represented a “direct challenge” to the United States.

Vassily Nebenzia

Vassily Nebenzia at the United Nations meeting (Image: GETTY)

Afterwards, Mark Fitzpatrick, then-director of the Americas branch of the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), told Express.co.uk: “The US foreign policy establishment laughed at Trump’s talk about military action against Venezuela.

“It is inconceivable as long as a sober-minded statesman like Jim Mattis is Secretary of Defense.

“Even John Bolton would oppose the idea as a distraction from the real issues facing America.

“Venezuela is a side-show. It is not a direct challenge to the US.

“But with the huffing and puffing of hardliners like Billingslea, one cannot put military action of some kind out of the question after Mattis leaves, which may come this winter.”

Mr Fitzpatrick’s words proved uncannily prophetic, with Mr Mattis tendering his resignation date in December after Mr Trump announced plans to pull troops out of Syria, with Mr Trump later saying he had “essentially fired him.”

source: express.co.uk