Venezuela alleges the US ambassador to Colombia plotted to destabilize and “annihilate” President Nicolas Maduro, just the latest claim in an escalating war of words between the two nations. The claim came shortly before the US House approved a measure calling for sanctions on officials in the Venezuelan government over human rights abuses.Venezuela alleges the US ambassador to Colombia plotted to destabilize and “annihilate” President Nicolas Maduro, just the latest claim in an escalating war of words between the two nations. The claim came shortly before the US House approved a measure calling for sanctions on officials in the Venezuelan government over human rights abuses.