New Delhi, Dec. 1 -- The United States has offered Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro the option to leave the country for Russia or another destination, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday (November 30), as fears grow over possible US military escalation in the region.

"We gave Maduro an opportunity to leave. We said he could leave and go to Russia or he could go to another country," Mullin told CNN.

Despite growing concern in the region, Senator Mullin insisted President Donald Trump is not preparing a military invasion. "No, he's made it very clear we're not going to put troops into Venezuela," Mullin said.

"What we're trying to do is protect our own shores."

His remarks come as Trump intensifies pressure on Caracas,...