The Voice of America reports that the U.S. State Department ordered nonessential personnel to leave Venezuela, but is not closing its embassy in Caracas.

On Wednesday, Venezuela's disputed president Nicolas Maduro said he was ending diplomatic relations with the United States in response to President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. was officially recognizing National Assembly President Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader.

Maduro ordered U.S. diplomats to leave within 72 hours. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, however, said Maduro no longer has the authority to do so.

The U.S. State department said it was evacuating non-emergency staff for security reasons, and that U.S. citizens should, "strongly consider" leaving the country.

The international dispute over the country's leadership appeared to deepen Thursday, with China and Russia voicing support for Maduro's embattled government. Russia's deputy foreign minister warned the United States that the Kremlin continues to back Maduro and the principle of non-interference in Venezuela's domestic affairs.

Pompeo, in his remarks to the Organization of American States (OAS) on Thursday, urged all members to recognize Guaido as Venezuela's leader and pledge support for Venezuela's democratic transition.

"All OAS member states must align themselves with democracy and respect for the rule of law," said the top U.S. diplomat.

"All member states who have committed to uphold the Inter-American Democratic Charter must now recognize the interim president. The time for debate is done. The regime of former President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate. His regime is morally bankrupt, economically incompetent and it is profoundly corrupt. It is undemocratic to the core," added Pompeo.

Guaido, the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, declared himself interim president during mass demonstrations a day earlier.

On Thursday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino allied with Maduro, calling him the country's "legitimate president" and disavowing Guaido's declaration as the leader. Padrino said the opposition was carrying out a coup.

At the OAS, Pompeo warned of any violence against Venezuelan people by security forces, calling on the military to support democracy and protect the citizens.

The chief American diplomat announced the U.S. would provide more than $20 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, funding food supplies and relieving the dire impact caused by the economic crisis.

Trump bluntly warned Maduro that, "all options are on the table" if there is not a peaceful transition to democracy in the South American country.

White House officials emphasized that Trump is not ruling out any response, such as a naval blockade or other military action, if Maduro unleashes violence against protesters or takes action against Guaido.

The most immediate action by Washington likely would be enhanced sanctions against members of Maduro's government.

"In our sanctions, we've barely scratched the surface on what actions the United States can take," said a senior administration official.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Venezuela's elections "illegitimate" in a tweet Thursday, and saluted the bravery of Venezuelans demanding freedom.