Tension is growing between the United States and Venezuela. During a five-nation trip to South America, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. is considering imposing sanctions and possibly an oil embargo against the oil-rich state. Late last week Tillerson suggested the U.S. would support the Venezuelan military toppling the elected government of Nicolás Maduro.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson: “I think there will be a change. We want it to be a peaceful change. … In the history of Venezuela, and, in fact, the history in other Latin American and South American countries, oftentimes it’s the military that handles that, that when things are so bad, that the military leadership realizes they just can’t serve the citizens anymore, they will manage a peaceful transition.”

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino criticized Tillerson for hinting at a possible military coup in Venezuela.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López : “When you invite the armed forces to overthrow a government, you are disrespecting an institution that uses its principles, its republican morality, its historical traditions. We are deeply proud of being the heirs of our liberator.”