US sanctions sought against Maduro supporters

The Venezuelan opposition has said that they would ask the US to extend sanctions against governors and mayors who support the embattled government of President Nicolas Maduro in the South American country.

Opposition politician Julio Borges tweeted on Saturday that the US needed to impose sanctions against Maduro's aides as well the supporters of his government because they were allegedly involved in "political persecution" and "human rights violation" of politic and the people of Venezuela, reports Efe news.

However, Borges, opposition leader Juan Guaido's foreign relations commissioner, did not specify any names he wants to be sanctioned.

Guaido in January assumed a rival presidency in Venezuela, alleging that Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate, and is seeking international actions to oust the president.

He is recognized as interim President by more than 50 countries, including the US.

He had previously asked the US and Europe for sanctions against officials of Maduro's government, alleging that they were responsible for serious economic, political and social crises in Venezuela.

Washington has already imposed sanctions against some of Maduro's aides, family members, governors and members of institutions such as the top court and the election council.

US President Donald Trump's administration has also restricted the Venezuelan oil and gold trade.

Washington is carrying out a harsh sanctions campaign aimed at further strangling Venezuela, where, according to the US Agency for International Development, hyper-inflation and shortages of basic goods have prompted around 3 million people to leave the country over the past five years.

( With inputs from IANS )