US Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan did not rule out sending US military forces to Colombia or the region in connection with political unrest in Venezuela.
Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday he had not spoken to National Security Adviser John Bolton about sending troops to Colombia, but said he would not comment when asked if he had held further talks on the plan or whether he ruled out it.
Bolton was carrying a notebook reading "5,000 troops to Colombia" at a press conference on Monday announcing new sanctions against Venezuela. When the White House later asked about the calendar, he said in an email: "As the president said, all options are on the table "He said.
President Donald Trump supports Venezuelan parliament speaker Juan Guadillo, who has declared himself interim president in the face of opposition with President Nicolas Maduro, while Colombia shares a 2,200-kilometer border with Venezuela and also supports Guido.
Shanahan referred to the steps taken by the foreign ministries and the treasury, which includes new sanctions on the oil company owned by Venezuela.
The joint body led by the National Security Council and Sir Bolton has put forward a number of options, we support them with the development of their policy, and as the situation in Venezuela evolves, we are available to give them advice, advice and support. "
In a direct question on the Bolton note, Chanahan said, "I did not bring a notebook with me today."
Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes said on Monday that his government did not know the "cause and importance" of Bolton's remark.
