“The U.S. will withdraw all remaining personnel from the US Embassy this week. This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of U.S. diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on U.S. policy.” That somewhat ominous announcement comes from Sec of State Mike Pompeo as the US begins to pull diplomats out of Venezuela.

+ Meanwhile, as political relations deteriorate, so too does the dire situation for Venezuelans. Reuters: After five days of a blackout, desperate Venezuelans swarm sewage drains in search of water.