The Trump administration discussed plans to overthrown Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with some of the country’s military brass, according to a report.
A coup attempt was the focus of several conversations between an U.S. career diplomat and military personnel claiming to represent a few hundred officers similarly dissatisfied with Maduro’s leadership, the New York Times reported.
But the American envoy attended at least three meetings held from last fall “purely on listening mode,” and the talks collapsed because the U.S. did not provide material support or guidance, according to the newspaper. A number of the plotters were also arrested by Maduro’s government.
The White House told the Times it was important to speak with Venezuelans “who demonstrate a desire for democracy” in the hope of creating “positive change to a country that has suffered so much under Maduro.” One of the military commanders involved in the dialogue, however, was named on a U.S. sanctions list due to allegations of serious crimes and corruption.
The report follows the detention of six people after several drone explosions were set off in August during an outdoor rally held by Maduro in Caracas celebrating the country’s National Guard. The embattled socialist leader called the attack, in which seven soldiers were injured, an assassination attempt.
President Trump has signed at least three executive orders targeting Maduro’s regime, which among other actions imposed sanctions on the oil-rich nation. He additionally threatened military intervention last August.
Thousands of Venezuelans have fled the country to escape crippling economic conditions and shortages of basic resources, such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, secured another six-year term in May following an election criticized for being stolen.
