The United States issued new sanctions over corruption in Venezuela, targeting seven individuals and two dozen entities, according to a notice released by the US Treasury Department on Tuesday.
The move was followed by Caracas launching a complaint at the World Trade Organization over the sanctions, arguing that a ban on travel for the seven individuals and the trade restrictions break the WTO's rules.
Last month, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro vowed to block Exxon Mobil Corp. from exploring for oil in contested water in neighboring Guyana. However, Exxon said its exploration activities are ongoing despite efforts from Venezuela to block the project.
