WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. official said Friday that the United States is considering expelling Venezuelan ambassador in retaliation for the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador to Caracas.

    The move came after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on Thursday his decision to expel U.S. ambassador Patrick Duddy and ordered him to leave the country in 72 hours.

    Chavez announced the decision to oust the U.S. ambassador hours after saying his government had uncovered a plot to overthrow him and detained a number of conspirators.