Washington DC, Dec. 20 -- The United States continues to escalate its pressure tactics against Nicolas Maduro's regime in Venezuela, as it now expands sanctions targeting several other members of the Venezuelan president's family and associates.

In a statement issued by the US Department of the Treasury on Friday, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated relatives and associates of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, further pressuring the Latin American country over corruption and narcotics-related activities.

The OFAC designated relatives and associates of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, a nephew of the First Lady and Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero Napolitano, who were already sanctioned by Washington, last week.

The...