Trump Threatens Cuba with ’Full and Complete Embargo’ For Supporting Maduro

By Staff, Agencies

US President Donald Trump threatened Cuba with the a “full and complete embargo” over its support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a shuddering escalation of tensions that called to mind the Cold War.

On a day that saw violence erupt on the streets of Caracas as opposition leader Juan Guaido launched his latest bid to oust Maduro, Trump took to social media to heap new pressure on the Venezuelan president and his supporters in Havana.

“If Cuban troops and militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba,” he tweeted. “Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island.”

Trump’s comments came as Guaido and his supporters gathered in an attempt to oust Maduro, one that ultimately fizzled. In a video posted on social media early on a day Guaido had termed Operation Freedom, the opposition leader was seen outside La Carlota airbase in Caracas, urging supporters and the military to take to the streets.