Washington (CNN) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hired a veteran foreign policy hand and fierce Trump critic to direct all aspects of the US campaign to replace Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Describing Elliott Abrams as a "seasoned, principled and tough-minded foreign policy veteran," Pompeo announced that the former deputy national security adviser to President George W. Bush will "lead our efforts on Venezuela."

The job, Pompeo announced, will start immediately, as Abrams will accompany the secretary of state on Saturday at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Venezuela.

President Donald Trump's decision Wednesday to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president and declare Maduro's embattled regime "illegitimate" has set off a dramatic confrontation within Venezuela and geopolitical jostling outside the country.

A surprise pick

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