Democrats seek clarity about Venezuela aims

UNITED States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials have briefed political leaders in Congress on the striking military operation in Venezuela, amid mounting concerns that US President Donald Trump is embarking on a new era of US expansionism without consultation of politicians or a clear vision for running the South American country.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTERS

Republican leaders entered Monday's closed-door session at the US Capitol largely supportive of Mr Trump’s decision to forcibly remove Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro from power, but many Democrats emerged with more questions as Mr Trump maintains a fleet of US Navy vessels off the Venezuelan coast and urges US companies to invest in the country’s oil industry.

A war powers resolution that would prohibit US military action in Venezuela without approval from Congress is heading for a vote this week in the Senate.

“We don’t expect troops on the ground,’ said House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson.