US sending mixed signals on Venezuela military action

American officials and military commanders are sending mixed messages about a possible US military intervention in Venezuela as the ongoing turmoil in the Latin American country approaches a critical stage following the recent military coup attempt by the opposition.

Venezuelan army forces loyal to President Nicolas Maduro have been spending the past two days putting down unrest caused by several defectors who had joined the opposition camp led by self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido.

As the apparent coup attempt continued, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that Washington was prepared to take military action on President Donald Trump’s order.

"The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent – military action is possible, if that's what's required – that's what the United States will do," Pompeo told FOX Business.

US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan also noted that his country had carried out “exhaustive planning” for possible operations in Venezuela.

The Pentagon even announced Wednesday that Shanahan was calling off a planned trip to Europe in order to "more effectively coordinate” with the US National Security Council and State Department on Venezuela.

National Security Adviser John Bolton also repeated his threat of the past few weeks that the US military would go in if Maduro wouldn’t step down peacefully.

“We want as our principle objective the peaceful transfer of power, but I will say again as the president has said from the outset ... all options are on the table,” Bolton told reporters outside the White House as the new unrest was beginning in Venezuela on Tuesday.

However, several top military officials have since played down the possibility of a military action, at least at the current stage of the crisis.

SS