Mr Pompeo also predicted it would be the Venezuelans themselves who would end up ousting Mr Maduro, rather than external factors - and accused Vladimir Putin’s Russia of plotting to control the South American country, while urging them to pull out. Speaking yesterday, Mr Pompeo accused Tehran of providing “on the ground” support to Mr Maduro, stressing Washington’s desire to see Venezuelans restore “their own democracy” free from external interference. He told Fox News: ”We want the Venezuelan people not to be meddled by any country, be it Russia or China.
Now there are Iranians on the ground in Venezuela as well
Mike Pompeo
“Now there are Iranians on the ground in Venezuela as well.
“The US wants all countries out to allow the Venezuelan people to restore their democracy.”
He also accused Cuba of involvement, claiming: “We know of the historic presence of a couple of thousands of Cuban thugs in Venezuela, who essentially control the country today.”
Venezuela has been in turmoil for months, with Parliamentary leader Juan Guaido declaring himself President on January 23 in direct defiance of Mr Maduro, controversially re-elected last year amid claims of widespread voter fraud and sworn in for a further six years two weeks earlier.
Mike Pompeo said Iranian operatives were "on the ground" in Venezuela (Image: GETTY)
US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has said “all options are on the table” with respect to the country, implying a US military intervention could be possible.
However, Mr Pompeo appeared
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