Daily Mail: Showdown in Venezuela: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warns the US will take 'appropriate action' if Nicolas Maduro tries to remove any American diplomats, as clashes break out after Trump recognizes the opposition leader as president
* Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, 35, declared himself interim president in Caracas on Wednesday
* The White House swiftly recognized him as 'interim president' in a move intended to force out Nicolas Maduro
* Officials said oil sanctions could be in place this week which would further hit the socialist country's economy
* Maduro, who was only sworn in for his second term this month, spoke defiantly from presidential palace to accuse US of a coup and expelled its diplomats
* Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed that 'appropriate action' will be taken if any US diplomats are harmed
* Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru also all recognized opposition leader
* Huge protests swept the country in the wake of Maduro being sworn in as president earlier this month
* Venezuelans expressed anger at Maduro winning the election widely seen as rigged and at food shortages
Venezuelans headed into uncharted political waters in the early hours on Thursday, with the young leader of a newly united and combative opposition claiming to hold the presidency and socialist President Nicolas Maduro digging in for a fight with the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump promised to use the 'full weight' of U.S. economic and diplomatic power to push for the restoration of Venezuela's democracy. 'The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law,' he said in a statement.
Trump said told reporters that he had not considered sending U.S. forces in to help stabilize the country, but 'all options' remain on the table, including military troops.
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AFRICA
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EUROPE
Russia warns U.S. against military intervention in Venezuela.
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AMERICAS
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Top Venezuela military brass vow to back Maduro amid unrest.
Brazil decree weakens law aimed at holding government to account.
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Real Madrid regains top spot in world football rich list.
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