US flags off sanctions on 5 individuals including oil minister from Venezuela

The United States on Friday issued Venezuela-related sanctions as it ratchets up pressure on the country over an election it says was illegal.

According to the U.S. Treasury, the sanctions target five individuals: Rafael Enrique Bastardo Mendoza, Manuel Ricardo Cristopher Figuera, Ivan Rafael Hernandez Dala, Manuel Salvador Quevedo Fernandez and Hildemaro Jose Rodriguez Mucura. Quevedo Fernandez is Venezuela's oil minister.