Abandon support for Prez Maduro, Trump warns Venezuelan military

A "new day" is coming in Latin America and the days of socialist dictatorships are over, US President Donald Trump has said as he issued a dire warning to the Venezuelan military to abandon their support for President Nicolas Maduro or "lose everything".

Speaking at Florida International University in Miami, Trump said the US stood behind the people of Venezuela who are standing for freedom and democracy.

The Venezuelan military could play a decisive role in ending the months-long political crisis, but has largely remained loyal to Maduro.

Venezuela has also lurched into an economic crisis that has left the country suffering from hyperinflation and shortages of food, medicine.

"We want to restore Venezuelan democracy, and we believe that the Venezuelan military and its leadership have a vital role to play in this process. If you choose this path, you have the opportunity to help forge a safe and prosperous future for people of Venezuela," Trump said.