US President Donald Trump says sending military forces to Venezuela is “an option,” amid attempts by the US-backed opposition in the Latin American country to topple the democratically-elected government of President Nicolas Maduro.

“Certainly, it’s something that’s on the – it’s an option,” Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday.

The American head of state claimed he had turned down Maduro’s request for meeting months ago, when Venezuela was the scene of protests over economic and political issues.

“I’ve turned it down, because we’re very far along in the process,” he said in excerpts from the interview, adding, “So, I think the process is playing out – very, very big tremendous protests.”

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have thronged the streets of Venezuela, holding rallies in support and against Maduro, who began his second six-year term in office last month.