U.S. Targets Venezuelan Officials in Sanction Draft Following Disputed Election

The U.S. has proposed sanctions on about 60 Venezuelan government officials and their families following the disputed presidential election in July. The sanctions, which could include travel bans and business prohibitions, target members of Venezuela's National Electoral Council, Supreme Court, and counterintelligence police involved in alleged electoral fraud.

The U.S. has drafted a list of around 60 Venezuelan government officials and family members to be sanctioned following the controversial presidential election in July, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed sanctions target officials from the National Electoral Council (CNE), Supreme Court, and counterintelligence police for their involvement in the political turmoil.

In a recent move, the U.S. Treasury Department submitted the draft sanctions list to the State Department. The sanctions, which may still change in number, could include travel bans and prohibit U.S. entities from conducting business with the targeted individuals and their families.

The contested election saw the CNE declare incumbent President Nicolas Maduro the winner without full vote disclosure. As a result, Washington and other governments have questioned Maduro's victory, with opposing candidate Edmundo Gonzalez claiming a decisive win based on opposition-tallied results.

(With inputs from agencies.)