Trump denies role in attempted incursion in Venezuela

Venezuela foiled what it termed as a U.S.-backed invasion attempt last weekend.

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied claims that his country was behind an attempted overthrow of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

"We have nothing to do with it. If I wanted to go into Venezuela I wouldn't make a secret about it," he told Fox News.

Venezuela foiled what it termed as a U.S.-backed invasion attempt last weekend, arresting 13 people including two Americans. Eight armed men were killed.

The South American country described the team as a group of "terrorist mercenaries". They landed by boat in the town of Macuto on Sunday.

President Trump's administration backs opposition leader Juan Guaidó and recognises him as the country's legitimate leader.

While he maintained that the U.S. was not behind the attempt, he noted that he would do things differently, and an army would be involved.

"I'd go in and they would do nothing about it," he said. "They would roll over. I wouldn't send a small, little group. No, no, no. It would be called an army. It would be called an invasion."

Sourc(s): BBC