[Watt:] The U.S. military is right now leading a major military exercise in Burkina Faso. They're trying to figure out how to help local forces tackle terrorism. CNN Pentagon reporter Ryan Browne is there.
[Ryan Browne, Cnn Correspondent:] Here at a military base in Burkina Faso, U.S. Special Forces are working with their local counterparts to help bolster their ability to fight a wide variety of terrorist groups that wreak havoc across the region.
[Andrew Young, U.s. Ambassador To Burkina Faso:] We believe that Burkina Faso is in a tough fight and the fight is getting tougher. We're very pleased to be able to work with Burkina Faso as they confront this security challenge.
[Browne:] The U.S. military has advisers here working with local security forces. Both police and military to develop their ability to fight advanced terrorist groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda who have carried out a series of high-profile terrorist attacks here in Burkina Faso and have rocked the capital, Ouagadougou. The U.S. is cutting its forces in West Africa and reducing the number of troops on the ground. This has raised concerns about whether the United States would be able to continue these training efforts. But U.S. commanders say they're reviewing additional options, whether it is drones or perhaps even additional U.S. military advisors that could help Burkina Faso in this difficult fight.
[Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, U.s. Special Operations Command Africa:] The first order
[Browne:] It still remains to be seen whether or not the local forces can handle this diverse array of terror threats that are carrying out increasingly sophisticated attacks, crossing the borders from neighboring Mali and Niger and presenting real challenges to the government here Ryan Browne, CNN, Burkina Faso.
[Watt:] Meanwhile, in the Americas, Venezuela's humanitarian and political crisis is deepening. Self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido said a transition is underway right now to remove president Nicolas Maduro from office. Guaido has been visiting several Latin American countries to gain international support and to try and legitimize his claim to the presidency.
[Juan Guaido, Interim President Of Venezuela:] He is the one today making that transition costly in Venezuela, not the opposition, who have demonstrated their democratic, peaceful and resistant disposition. And despite the oppression, the political prisoners and the persecution, here we are.
[Watt:] Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed visa restrictions on dozens of those aligned with Maduro and slapped sanctions on six security officials for obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid in to the crisis-plagued nation.
[Elliott Abrams, U.s. Special Representative For Venezuela:] Maduro supporters that abuse or violate human rights, steal from the Venezuelan people or undermine Venezuela's democracy are not welcome in the United States. Neither are their family members.
[Watt:] The U.S. is among more than 50 countries that now recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. And evacuation orders have been lifted for some areas of California that were swamped by severe floods. Cleanup efforts underway in Sonoma County on Friday. Heavy rains this week caused a river to overflow, flooding hundreds of homes. Now the flooding rains have also curbed a multi-year drought that has plagued California. Next, it is a lovely, peaceful place used to teach children about butterflies but vicious hate mail, destructive bulldozers and the border battle could end it all, if Trump gets his way.