Venezuela News Updates -- July 26, 2017

Reuters: U.S. sanctions Venezuelan officials, one killed in anti-Maduro strike

WASHINGTON/CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - The Trump administration imposed sanctions on 13 senior Venezuelan officials as the country's opposition launched a two-day strike on Wednesday, heaping pressure on unpopular President Nicolas Maduro to scrap plans for a controversial new congress.

With clashes breaking out in some areas, a 30-year-old man was killed during a protest in the mountainous state of Merida, authorities said.

Venezuela's long-time ideological foe the United States opted to sanction the country's army and police chiefs, the national director of elections, and a vice president of the state oil company for alleged corruption and rights abuses.

But U.S. President Donald Trump spared Venezuela for now from broader sanctions against its vital oil industry, although such actions were still under consideration.

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Venezuela News Updates -- July 26, 2017

Venezuela leader’s foes levy new sanctions and fresh strike -- Mercury News/AP
Treasury sanctions target Venezuela president's allies -- The Hill
Trump administration hits 13 Venezuelans with sanctions in advance of critical vote -- Washington Post
All options on table for dealing with Venezuela: U.S. official -- Reuters
Venezuelans launch 2-day strike against Maduro as US slaps sanctions -- CNN
U.S. sanctions Venezuelan officials, one killed in anti-Maduro strike -- Reuters
Cuba rejects rumors it will mediate in Venezuela crisis -- Reuters
Venezuelans Stockpile Food and Water Ahead of Maduro Power Grab -- Bloomberg
As Venezuela faces critical week, Colombia prepares for a wave of migrants -- Miami Herald
Five key figures in Maduro's push to change Venezuela constitution -- Digital Journal