U.S.–Venezuela standoff escalates amid military buildup, officials consider next steps

Deadly air strikes, a massive military build up in the Caribbean, and an ultimatum for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The situation between the U.S. and Latin nation has reached a critical juncture, as top White House officials sit down this evening, and weight what move it will take next.

President Trump confirmed on Air Force One Monday that he spoke with the Venezuelan president over the phone but would not comment on their conversation.

However, multiple sources say he gave the Venezuelan leader a chance to relinquish power, in exchange for safe passage and amnesty, an offer Maduro reportedly turned down.

As White House officials weigh what move they’ll make next, experts are urging caution.

One of the United States’ own war game simulation predicts that if Maduro is overturned, it would create a power vacuum in Venezuela and cause undue hardship for its people.