Washington imposed sanctions on four Venezuelans as Pence meet in Bogota

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on four Venezuelans as it ramped up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, whose election Washington sees as illegitimate.

The action, which was announced in a post on the U.S. Treasury's website, coincides with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence attending a meeting of the regional Lima Group of nations in Bogota, where he was expected to announce steps against Maduro's government. The United States has recognized opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.