“Pompeo warned “the Venezuelan military and security forces” not to attempt to remove the diplomats by force or retaliate over their refusal. “We call on all parties to refrain from measures that are inconsistent with the privileges and immunities enjoyed by members of the diplomatic community,” he said. “The United States will take appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel.””
translation of Pompeo’s diplomatic statement into the vernacular:
“We double-dog dare you to touch a single hair on a single one of our diplomats ... we’re just itching for a excuse to send in troops to “rescue” any “hostages” ...”
Pompeo 2024