US admin ready to take military action to stem Venezuela crisis - Pompeo

President Donald Trump-led US administration was prepared to take military action to stem the crisis in Venezuela, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a television interview on Wednesday.

Pompeo's statement comes against the backdrop of clashes between anti-government protesters led by self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido and law enforcement officers in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Tuesday (local time).

"The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do," Pompeo said on Fox Business Network. Earlier in the day, United States President Donald Trump threatened "highest level sanctions" together with an embargo against Cuba if it continued its military support to Venezuela.

Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January. The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down. Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation.

Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro. On Tuesday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla had tweeted that the country was standing in solidarity with President Maduro.

The US had earlier imposed sanctions on Cuba including limitations on travel to the Latin American Nation. In addition, it had also announced new limits on the amount of money Cuban Americans can send to relatives on the Island at USD 1,000 per person.