U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced early Tuesday that the United States is withdrawing its remaining staff members from its embassy in Venezuela amid a deteriorating security situation. The decision comes days into a power outage that has plunged much of the country into total darkness. Hours before the announcement, Pompeo accused Cuba and Russia of propping up Venezuela’s dictatorial regime by supporting its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who said foreign powers had a role in the blackout. Pompeo denied the accusation. The U.S. has launched an international effort to oust the socialist Maduro and replace him with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has vowed to hold a new presidential election. Pompeo has said the remaining diplomats in Caracas will leave by the end of the week.
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