Venezuelan Leader Chávez Dies After Cancer Battle
CARACAS, Venezuela—Hugo Chávez, a former tank commander turned populist politician who used Venezuela's oil riches to challenge the U.S. with his fiery brand of socialism, died Tuesday from complications related to cancer. He was 58 years old.
"We have received the hardest and most tragic news," Vice President Nicolás Maduro said in a national television address, his voice breaking and fighting back tears.
With Mr. Chavéz just months into his fourth term, his death plunged Venezuela into political uncertainty. While Mr. Maduro had been expected to take over for Mr. Chávez until an election is held within 30 days, some in the ruling party suggested it should be the head of the assembly.
Just hours before announcing the death, Mr. Maduro painted a picture of a country beset by conspiracy from foreign powers, suggesting the U.S. may have caused Mr. Chávez's cancer and kicking out two U.S. military attaches for allegedly trying to destabilize the country. The U.S. rejected the allegations.
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