The Trump administration has announced sanctions against President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, in retaliation for the latter's threat against his Opposition leaders and the elections which have been denounced by the international community as "illegitimate".
Notably, this is only the fourth time the US has imposed sanctions on a sitting head of state.
"Sunday's illegitimate elections confirm that Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people. By sanctioning Maduro, the United States makes clear our opposition to the policies of his regime and our support for the people of Venezuela who seek to return their country to a full and prosperous democracy," US Treasury Secretary Steven T Mnuchin said on Monday.
"Anyone who participates in this illegitimate ANC could be exposed to future US sanctions for their role in undermining democratic processes and institutions in Venezuela," he said.
At a White House news conference, the National Security Adviser, lt Gen H R McMaster said: "Since Trump's inauguration, the administration has called on Maduro regime to respect Venezuela's constitution, respect the role and authorities of the constitutionally established National Assembly, hold free and fair elections, address the humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people, release political prisoners and stop oppressing its great people."