Dhaka, Dec. 23 -- President Donald Trump on Monday warned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro against "playing tough" as the US Coast Guard stepped up efforts to intercept sanctioned oil tankers in the Caribbean, part of the Republican administration's escalating pressure campaign on Caracas.

Trump, joined by top aides including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said he is prepared to further intensify the four-month campaign, which began to curb the flow of illegal drugs from Venezuela but has since expanded. "If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he'll ever be able to play tough," Trump said, while announcing plans for a new large Navy warship.

The Coast Guard continued...