U.S. to defy Venezuelan order for American diplomats to leave Caracas in 72 hours

BREAKING: In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Trump administration does not recognize the authority of “former president” Nicolás Maduro and called on the Venezuelan military to protect the “well-being of all Venezuelan citizens, as well as U.S. and other foreign citizens in Venezuela” or be held “accountable.” This file will be updated.

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday faced the gravest challenge to his authority since assuming power in 2013, as the leader of the U.S.-backed opposition claimed the legitimate mantle of leadership, and President Trump and other world leaders promptly recognized him as Venezuela’s interim and rightful head of state.

A defiant Maduro responded by announcing a break in “diplomatic and political relations” with the United States, and ordering American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours.

The high stakes move set up a potential diplomatic crisis as Washington weighed how to respond to a demand by a leader it nows sees as illegitimate. Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader now recognized by Washington as Venezuela’s true interim ruler, called on any diplomats expelled by Maduro to remain.

A senior Trump administration official told reporters that Washington is not rejecting any options, whether political, economic or even military.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/opposition-launches-protests-to-oust-maduro-as-us-venezuela-tensions-rise/2019/01/22/0416687a-1e4f-11e9-a759-2b8541bbbe20_story.html?utm_term=.20830e2f178b&wpisrc=al_news__alert-world--alert-national&wpmk=1

Sounds like Cadet Bonespurs wants to get his war on.