Once again, tensions are on the rise between Venezuela and the United States, who are considered to be "two ideological foes."

The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela on Tuesday defended three diplomats expelled by President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting charges they were involved in espionage and accusations Washington is trying to destabilize the OPEC nation, according to Reuters.

On Monday, Maduro, who said "Yankees, go home!" ordered out three U.S. diplomats including Kelly Keiderling, temporarily in charge of the mission, and the most senior US diplomat in Caracas - David Moo and Elizabeth Hoffman.  

He alleged they had been meeting with "right wing" opposition leaders and encouraging acts of sabotage against the South American nation's electricity grid and economy.

Reuters adds, "the expulsions throw a wrench into cautious efforts this year to restore full diplomatic ties that were frayed for most of the 14-year rule of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez. The U.S. government was evaluating its response and may take reciprocal action in accordance with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic rela,tions," a statement from the embassy said.

"We completely reject the Venezuelan government's allegations of U.S. government involvement in any type of conspiracy to destabilize the Venezuelan government," it added. "We likewise reject the specific claims against the three members of our embassy."

BBC News points out that United States and Venezuela have been without ambassadors in each other's capitals since 2010.

Currently, Venezuela is facing a shortage of several goods, including toilet paper, sugar and flour. The opposition blames Mr. Maduro's left-wing policies and rhetoric for the crisis, Reuters reiterated.