Venezuela CRISIS deepens as US orders diplomats to WITHDRAW amid brutal RIOTS in streets

There was also a security alert that US citizens “residing or travelling in Venezuela should strongly consider departing” while flights remain available. The news comes after current Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro cut ties with America and ordered all diplomats to leave the country. The State Department alert said: “The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela.

“If choosing to stay, ensure you have adequate supplies to shelter in place.”

The announcement comes just hours after embattled Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said he is closing the Venezuelan Embassy in the United States and all Consulates, as well as pulling out all diplomatic staff from the country.

The State Department has insisted it does not consider the president’s order to break relations or for US diplomats to leave as legal.

It said yesterday: “We will take appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel.”

READ MORE: Venezuela: Who is President Maduro – why is Trump not accepting him?

In response, disenfranchised protestors have stormed the capital of Caracas demanding the president resign in favour of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

A senior State Department official told CNN on Thursday morning “there are no plans to close the embassy”.

The State Department added: “We are closely monitoring the situation.

“Safety and security are, as always, a top priority.”

A State Department spokesperson reiterated that they were monitoring the situation but also that they were “prepared to do the things we need to do to make sure we keep our people safe”.

More to follow…

source: express.co.uk