Bolton, Pompeo, Shanahan discuss military action, other US options after failed coup in Venezuela
Tehran (KNA) -In the wake of the failure of a coup attempt in Venezuela, US National Security Adviser John Bolton has met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan to discuss a military action among other available choices,
The meeting at the Pentagon on Friday saw the three officials explore a range of discrete options for the US military, officials said.
"This was really a true review and then making sure that we're all in alignment," Shanahan said after the meeting.
The meeting came amid reports that President Donald Trump had expressed frustration at Washington's inability to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Asked whether the options that were discussed included military action in the oil-rich South American country, Shanahan said, "I'll leave that to your imagination. We have all options ... on the table."
Shanahan cancelled a trip to Europe this week to follow the developments in Venezuela, after opposition leader and self-proclaimed "interim president" Juan Guaido failed to gain support from senior leaders of the Venezuelan military during a coup attempt.
During the attempt, a group of Venezuela army defectors clashed with soldiers at an anti-government rally in the capital Caracas. Gunfire ensued and more than 100 people were wounded.
The Trump administration, which has recognized Guaido as the "president" of Venezuela, quickly backed the attempted putsch.
Later in the day, Maduro declared that the coup attempt by a small group of the military had been defeated.
Source: PressTV