US targets Venezuelan officials in new sanctions

WASHINGTON - 5 January 2018: The US Department of the Treasury imposed Friday sanctions on four Venezuelan government officials over links to corruption and repression in Venezuela.

"The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four current or former Venezuelan government officials associated with corruption and repression in Venezuela," said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin in a statement.

"President (Nicolas) Maduro and his inner circle continue to put their own interests above those of the Venezuelan people," Mnuchin added.

This action underscores the US resolve to hold Maduro and others engaged in corruption in Venezuela accountable.

"We call on concerned parties and international partners around the world to join us as we stand with the Venezuelan people to further isolate this oppressive regime," Mnuchin said.

"These designations, all against senior military officers, highlight that corruption and repression continue to flourish under the Maduro regime, both by those in current government positions and former officials who continue to benefit from a corrupt system," the statement read.