United States ruler Donald Trump has issued a veiled threat to the ruler of Venezuela. Trump said that Nicolas Maduro would be “smart” to get out of his position of power.

Maduro has stood up to the U.S. and its increasingly hostile aggressions, saying previously that if the “gringos” attack, Venezuela’s military would respond.

Venezuela: “If The Gringos Attack, We Will Respond”

The U.S. has assembled a naval force that Trump calls “by far the biggest we ever had in South America” off Venezuela’s coast and is enforcing a blockade on its oil tanker traffic, citing unilateral sanctions. Since September, the U.S. military has also been conducting strikes on small boats alleged to be carrying drugs, which United Nations experts have condemned as unlawful extrajudicial executions, accoridng to a report by RT.

When asked repeatedly during a press conference on Monday if Washington’s intention was to force Maduro from power, Trump gave non-committal remarks alluding to that possibility. “He can do whatever he wants,” the president responded. “If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it will be the last time he ever plays tough.” He also claimed it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down.

“We’re not just interdicting these ships, but we’re also sending a message around the world that the illegal activity that Maduro is participating in cannot stand, he needs to be gone, and that we will stand up for our people,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said during a Fox and Friends interview. She claimed that Maduro is the target of the U.S. military.

U.S. Wargames Maduro’s Fall From Power

Russia has condemned the U.S.’s buildup of military might in the Caribbean and its increasingly aggressive and egregious war crime activity.

The U.S. pressure campaign has been condemned by other nations, including Russia. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil, on Monday to express solidarity and share Moscow’s concern over “Washington’s increasingly escalatory actions in the Caribbean Sea.” –RT

War Crimes Stacking Up: Three More Killed In US Attack On A Venezuelan Boat