Venezuela has expelled the senior US representative in the country amid an international backlash against Nicolás Maduro's re-election as president.
Mr Maduro announced the expulsion of charge d'affaires Todd Robinson as his victory in Sunday's vote was being proclaimed officially.
He accused Mr Robinson of conspiring against his socialist government.
The vote was marred by an opposition boycott and allegations of fraud, which led the US to tighten sanctions.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to limit the Venezuelan government's ability to sell off state assets.
Fourteen countries including Argentina, Brazil and Canada recalled their ambassadors from Caracas in protest.
The US has not had a serving ambassador in Venezuela for eight years and Mr Robinson is its most senior representative.
Venezuela is suffering from food shortages stemming from its economic crisis and voter turnout was low on Sunday.
What reasons did Maduro give?
Image copyrightREUTERS
Image captionNicolás Maduro was re-elected for six years
The Venezuelan president ordered Mr Todd and his deputy head of mission, Brian Naranjo, to leave Venezuela within 48 hours.
Speaking at an event at the election board, he promised to present evidence that the US embassy had been engaged in a military, economic and political conspiracy.
He was, he said, defending the "dignity of the Venezuelan homeland".
"Neither with conspiracies nor with sanctions will you hold Venezuela back," Mr Maduro said.
What was the official result?
Mr Maduro was credited with winning 68% of the vote total.
The main opposition candidate, Henri Falcón, officially won 21.2%.
He rejected the result soon after polls closed and called for a repeat election.
Why did the US tighten sanctions?
The sanction is aimed at preventing Venezuelan officials selling off state oil assets in return for kickbacks.
Mr Trump said in a statement: "We call for the Maduro regime to restore democracy, hold free and fair elections, release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, and end the repression and economic deprivation of the Venezuelan people."
Media captionThe search for food in Venezuela
Even before the election took place, the US, Canada, the EU and a dozen Latin American countries said they would not recognise the results.
Now Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Panama and Peru are among those scaling back their diplomatic relations with Caracas.
However, Russia, El Salvador, Cuba and China congratulated President Maduro on his election win.
Latest Stories
-
PSG clinch Ligue 1 title after Lyon’s win over Monaco
10 mins -
Guinness Ghana sets the pace at Ghana Beverage Awards with six awards
31 mins -
Burkina Faso suspends BBC, VOA radio broadcasts over killings coverage
36 mins -
Nicole Kidman honoured with AFI Life Achievement Award
48 mins -
Brassier scores winner for Brest as they edge Rennes to secure European football
1 hour -
Ejisu by-election: Akufo-Addo jabs independent candidate; refutes allegations to rig elections
1 hour -
‘What are the real causes of the erratic power outages?’ GUTA demands from ECG
1 hour -
Implementing ESG framework in Ghana’s energy sector for sustainability
2 hours -
CAFCC: Dreams FC exit competition after 3-0 defeat in Kumasi
2 hours -
The detrimental effects of political interference on Ghana’s electricity sustainability
2 hours -
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment as running mate intimidates the NPP – Benjamin Quashie
2 hours -
Black Stars physical trainer dead
2 hours -
Bawumia to kick off nationwide campaign for Election 2024 tomorrow
2 hours -
GUTA charges ECG to provide ‘dumsor’ timetable for businesses to plan
2 hours -
Reason for training professional counsellors is to heal a hurting world – CCP president
5 hours