US will take action against Maduro's thugs: Pompeo

Washington [US] Feb 24 (ANI): United States Secretary of the state Mike Pompeo on Saturday (local time) said that "will take action" against Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro’s "thugs" who are opposing the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela.
He also alleged Cuban agents of "directing attacks on the people of Venezuela on behalf of Maduro".
"The U.S. will take action against those who oppose the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela. Now is the time to act in support of the needs of the desperate Venezuelan people. We stand in solidarity with those continuing their struggle for freedom," tweeted Pompeo. 
Recently, violence broke out between locals and Venezuela's security forces along the Columbian borders, which is still backing Maduro.  At least five people were killed in clashes with the security forces on Saturday. 
At least 285 people were hurt after the Venezuelan National Guard fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protestors, reported CNN.
Condemning the attacks on locals, Pompeo further tweeted, "The U.S. condemns the attacks on civilians in Venezuela perpetrated by Maduro’s thugs. These attacks have resulted in deaths and injuries. Our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have died due to these criminal acts. We join their demand for justice."
The US has alleged the Maduro regime for stopping humanitarian aid for reaching people. "We denounce Maduro’s refusal to let humanitarian assistance reach Venezuela. What kind of a sick tyrant stops food from getting to hungry people? The images of burning trucks filled with aid are sickening," said Pompeo in another tweet.
Echoing the US President Donald Trump claims that Cuba is controlling Maduro, Pompeo said: "Cuban agents are directing attacks on the people of #Venezuela on behalf of Maduro. The Venezuelan military should do its duty, protect the country’s citizens, and prevent the Havana puppeteers from starving hungry children."
Pompeo who recently met self-proclaimed Venezuela President Juan Guaido in Columbia also praised him for his efforts in restoring peace in Venezuela. 
"While Guaido leads the effort to get the aid to the people, Maduro sends armed gangs to attack innocent civilians," tweeted Pomeo.
The South American nation is crippled with a political and economic crisis since January. 
The political crisis began in Venezuela on January 24 when Guaido marched against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and announced himself as interim president. 
The economic crisis in the nation, coupled with a food shortage, has strengthened an anti-Maduro sentiment across the South American nation, with the opposition accusing Maduro of "usurping power."
A defiant Maduro, who is backed by the country's powerful military, claimed that the opposition protests are an attempt by the US to stage a coup and overthrow him. (ANI)