Americans evenly split on Maduro's abduction, poll shows

"One in three Americans opposes the Venezuelan leader's abduction by US forces, a poll shows, while others are unsure. Americans are evenly split in their support for the US military operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an opinion poll has found. Thirty-three percent of Americans support Maduro's abduction, compared with 34 percent who are against it and 32 percent who are not sure, the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed on Monday."

"Supporters of President Donald Trump's Republican Party are much more likely to support the military operation, with 65 percent in favour, compared with 11 percent of Democrats and 23 percent of independents."

"On the question of who should govern Venezuela, Americans lean against Washington taking control of the country, according to the poll. Forty-three percent oppose Washington governing Venezuela until a new government is established in Caracas, compared with 34 percent in favour and 20 percent who are unsure. Americans lean against the US stationing troops in Venezuela 47 percent to 30 percent according to the poll. More Americans than not also oppose the Trump administration taking control of Venezuela's oil fields, with 46 percent against the idea and 30 percent in favour. On the question of whether the US could become too involved in the Latin American country, 72 percent are very or somewhat concerned. Trump said on Saturday that the US would run Venezuela, though officials in his administration have sought to downplay the prospect of Washington occupying the country. On Sunday, Trump threatened further military action against Venezuela if it doesn't behave. Maduro, who was abducted in a raid by US special forces over the weekend, on Monday made his first court appearance to face charges related to narcoterrorism, drug trafficking and weapons possession. Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges, declaring himself the victim of a kidnapping and a decent man. I am still president of my country,"

Thirty-three percent of Americans support Nicolás Maduro's abduction, 34 percent oppose it and 32 percent are unsure. Republican supporters are much more likely to back the operation (65 percent) compared with Democrats (11 percent) and independents (23 percent). Forty-three percent oppose Washington governing Venezuela until a new government is established, while 34 percent favor it and 20 percent are unsure. Americans oppose stationing US troops in Venezuela by 47 percent to 30 percent and more oppose taking control of Venezuelan oil fields (46 percent against, 30 percent in favor). Seventy-two percent are very or somewhat concerned that the US could become too involved. President Trump said the US would run Venezuela and threatened further military action. Maduro was abducted in a US special forces raid, pleaded not guilty to narcoterrorism, drug trafficking and weapons charges, and declared himself a kidnapping victim and still president.

Read at www.aljazeera.com