<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-will-win-says-maduro-after-new-us-sanctions-241548">Venezuela</a>'s opposition leader Juan Guaido warned President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday that any attempts to bring forward parliamentary elections would end in "disaster" for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-people-protests-against-imposed-sanctions-241437">government</a>.

Elections to renew the National Assembly, the only branch of government under opposition control, are set for December 2020.

But the Constituent Assembly, a rival body created by the Maduro regime and given extraordinary powers superseding the National Assembly, has hinted at the possibility of ordering early elections.

Such a maneuver could threaten the opposition's hold on the National Assembly and with it Guaido's claim as head of the legislature to be the country's legitimate president.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-pro-government-legislature-holds-session-may-disband-congress-242540">Guaido</a> insisted it would backfire, further isolating Maduro, who has so far withstood opposition challenges to his presidency with the support of the military.

"What would happen if the regime dared to -- and it could -- bring forward an irregular convocation for elections without any conditions?" said Guaido.

"They will drown in contradictions, in isolation -- they will drown in disaster."

Constituent Assembly president Diosdado Cabello, the most powerful regime figure after Maduro, admitted on Monday the move was a "counter-attack" after the United States increased its sanctions on the government.

Venezuela has been locked in a political crisis since the legislature branded Maduro a "usurper" in January over his controversial re-election last year in a poll widely denounced as rigged.

As the head of the National Assembly, Guaido demanded Maduro step down and declared himself acting president in a move recognized by more than 50 countries.

The government and the opposition have engaged in Norwegian-mediated talks but those negotiations appear blocked over the opposition's demand that Maduro step down so new elections can be held.

In the meantime, the regime has stepped up pressure on opposition legislators by stripping 25 of them of their parliamentary immunity over their alleged support for a failed April uprising instigated by Guaido.

The European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said these moves were "another direct attack on the only democratically elected body in Venezuela."

US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton urged the "international community to hold the tyrant Maduro accountable." 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido warned President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday that any attempts to bring forward parliamentary elections would end in "disaster" for the government.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido warned President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday that any attempts to bring forward parliamentary elections would end in "disaster" for the government. Elections to renew the National Assembly, the only branch of government under opposition control, are set for December 2020. But the Constituent Assembly, a rival body created by the Maduro regime and given extraordinary powers superseding the National Assembly, has hinted at the possibility of ordering early elections. Such a maneuver could threaten the opposition's hold on the National Assembly and with it Guaido's claim as head of the legislature to be the country's legitimate president. But Guaido insisted it would backfire, further isolating Maduro, who has so far withstood opposition challenges to his presidency with the support of the military. "What would happen if the regime dared to -- and it could -- bring forward an irregular convocation for elections without any conditions?" said Guaido. "They will drown in contradictions, in isolation -- they will drown in disaster." Constituent Assembly president Diosdado Cabello, the most powerful regime figure after Maduro, admitted on Monday the move was a "counter-attack" after the United States increased its sanctions on the government. Venezuela has been locked in a political crisis since the legislature branded Maduro a "usurper" in January over his controversial re-election last year in a poll widely denounced as rigged. As the head of the National Assembly, Guaido demanded Maduro step down and declared himself acting president in a move recognized by more than 50 countries. The government and the opposition have engaged in Norwegian-mediated talks but those negotiations appear blocked over the opposition's demand that Maduro step down so new elections can be held. In the meantime, the regime has stepped up pressure on opposition legislators by stripping 25 of them of their parliamentary immunity over their alleged support for a failed April uprising instigated by Guaido. The European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said these moves were "another direct attack on the only democratically elected body in Venezuela." US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton urged the "international community to hold the tyrant Maduro accountable."

Juan Guaido warns Venezuela's Maduro over moves to advance legislative elections

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday.

The three people told Reuters that both sides had not yet decided whether to hold the discussions in Oslo, where previous talks were held, or in Barbados.

Two of the people said the talks would begin next week.

Norway`s government encouraged both sides to meet in Oslo in May, but they were unable to reach any agreement to resolve the economic and political crisis that has driven more than 4 million Venezuelans to flee abroad.

Few details have been released about the contents of the talks between representatives of Maduro and Guaidó, who assumed a rival presidency in January and denounces Maduro as illegitimate for securing re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent.

Guaido said on Twitter on Friday that he had received backing from allies to "begin a new round of consultations with national and international leaders," without giving more details.&nbsp;

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday. The three people told Reuters that both sides had not yet decided whether to hold the discussions in Oslo, where previous talks were held, or in Barbados. Two of the people said the talks would begin next week. Norway`s government encouraged both sides to meet in Oslo in May, but they were unable to reach any agreement to resolve the economic and political crisis that has driven more than 4 million Venezuelans to flee abroad. Few details have been released about the contents of the talks between representatives of Maduro and Guaidó, who assumed a rival presidency in January and denounces Maduro as illegitimate for securing re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Guaido said on Twitter on Friday that he had received backing from allies to "begin a new round of consultations with national and international leaders," without giving more details.

Venezuelan government and opposition to restart negotiations: Sources

The Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world, according to a special report issued by the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The group`s projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who in eight years have fled Syria, Al Jazeera reported.

"It`s not an economic or voluntary migration," said David Smolansky, an exiled Venezuelan politician who presented the final report with Harvard University economist Dany Bahar to the OAS assembly on Friday.

"It`s forced migration," he added.

The projections were previously released as part of the group`s preliminary report in March, but on Friday OAS representatives, pointing to the report, appealed to the international community for more support in addressing the growing number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees.

The UN estimates that four million people have already left Venezuela in recent years, fleeing hyperinflation, violence and scarcity of medicine and food as the country descends deeper into a catastrophic collapse.

The wave of displaced Venezuelans has already stoked tension and instability in South American countries, and the prospective doubling of the total exodus in the next 18 months raises grim prospects for the region`s future.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration on the same day announced sanctions on the son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a move to increase pressure on family members of top officials backing the leader and suspected of corruption.

The action by the US Treasury Department freezes any US assets belonging to Maduro`s son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and prohibits US nationals or American institutions from doing business with him.

"Maduro`s regime was built on fraudulent elections, and his inner circle lives in luxury off the proceeds of corruption while the Venezuelan people suffer," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

"Maduro relies on his son Nicolasito and others close to his authoritarian regime to maintain a stranglehold on the economy and suppress the people of Venezuela. Treasury will continue to target complicit relatives of illegitimate regime insiders profiting off of Maduro`s corruption," he added.

Guerra is also a member of the constitutional assembly, a rubber-stamping rival of the opposition-controlled congress charged with rewriting the nation`s charter.

In 2017, he delivered a fiery speech from the assembly vowing to storm the White House in response to President Donald Trump`s threat of military force to remove his father from power.

A senior US administration official was further quoted as saying that Washington is considering expanding actions against family members of Maduro officials as part of its focus on corruption by the socialist leader`s top allies.

The Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world, according to a special report issued by the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world, according to a special report issued by the Organisation of American States (OAS). The group`s projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who in eight years have fled Syria, Al Jazeera reported. "It`s not an economic or voluntary migration," said David Smolansky, an exiled Venezuelan politician who presented the final report with Harvard University economist Dany Bahar to the OAS assembly on Friday. "It`s forced migration," he added. The projections were previously released as part of the group`s preliminary report in March, but on Friday OAS representatives, pointing to the report, appealed to the international community for more support in addressing the growing number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The UN estimates that four million people have already left Venezuela in recent years, fleeing hyperinflation, violence and scarcity of medicine and food as the country descends deeper into a catastrophic collapse. The wave of displaced Venezuelans has already stoked tension and instability in South American countries, and the prospective doubling of the total exodus in the next 18 months raises grim prospects for the region`s future. Meanwhile, the Trump administration on the same day announced sanctions on the son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a move to increase pressure on family members of top officials backing the leader and suspected of corruption. The action by the US Treasury Department freezes any US assets belonging to Maduro`s son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and prohibits US nationals or American institutions from doing business with him. "Maduro`s regime was built on fraudulent elections, and his inner circle lives in luxury off the proceeds of corruption while the Venezuelan people suffer," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "Maduro relies on his son Nicolasito and others close to his authoritarian regime to maintain a stranglehold on the economy and suppress the people of Venezuela. Treasury will continue to target complicit relatives of illegitimate regime insiders profiting off of Maduro`s corruption," he added. Guerra is also a member of the constitutional assembly, a rubber-stamping rival of the opposition-controlled congress charged with rewriting the nation`s charter. In 2017, he delivered a fiery speech from the assembly vowing to storm the White House in response to President Donald Trump`s threat of military force to remove his father from power. A senior US administration official was further quoted as saying that Washington is considering expanding actions against family members of Maduro officials as part of its focus on corruption by the socialist leader`s top allies.

Venezuela migrant crisis to become world's largest by 2020: Report

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia.

More than 1,400 members of Venezuela`s armed forces have fled to Colombia this year, heeding Guaido`s call to disavow socialist President Nicolas Maduro. They began arriving in late February, as Maduro`s troops at the border with Colombia drove back convoys of humanitarian aid requested by Guaido.

Latin American news outlet PanAm Post on Friday reported that representatives of Guaido, the leader of Venezuela`s opposition-controlled National Assembly, used funds intended to pay for the cost of the troops` hotels in the Colombian border city of Cucuta for personal purchases.&nbsp;

"We will investigate this deeply," Guaido said during a speech to supporters in the mountainous Venezuelan state of Merida. "Every cent of public funds should be sacred, and that is something we have to learn as a society."

Guaido in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has since been recognized as the country`s legitimate leader by most Western and Latin American countries, including Colombia and the United States.

The opposition and its allies abroad say Maduro is a corrupt dictator who, along with other senior officials, has grown rich as Venezuela`s economy collapsed in recent years, prompting millions to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.&nbsp;

"We request that the relevant jurisdiction investigate and clear up these serious charges," Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, wrote on Twitter on Friday, linking to the PanAm Post article. "Democratisation is not possible under the opacity of corrupt acts."

Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a Friday tweet that the Maduro government had previously "denounced a gigantic corruption scheme of Guaido`s with money sent to Cucuta to recruit hitmen."

In a statement, Guaido`s office said he had requested Colombian authorities` help with the investigation.&nbsp;

"We condemn any possible act of corruption by Venezuelan citizens in the management of resources to pay for the lodging of troops who arrived in Colombia," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Twitter, calling on "relevant authorities" to investigate.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia. More than 1,400 members of Venezuela`s armed forces have fled to Colombia this year, heeding Guaido`s call to disavow socialist President Nicolas Maduro. They began arriving in late February, as Maduro`s troops at the border with Colombia drove back convoys of humanitarian aid requested by Guaido. Latin American news outlet PanAm Post on Friday reported that representatives of Guaido, the leader of Venezuela`s opposition-controlled National Assembly, used funds intended to pay for the cost of the troops` hotels in the Colombian border city of Cucuta for personal purchases. "We will investigate this deeply," Guaido said during a speech to supporters in the mountainous Venezuelan state of Merida. "Every cent of public funds should be sacred, and that is something we have to learn as a society." Guaido in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has since been recognized as the country`s legitimate leader by most Western and Latin American countries, including Colombia and the United States. The opposition and its allies abroad say Maduro is a corrupt dictator who, along with other senior officials, has grown rich as Venezuela`s economy collapsed in recent years, prompting millions to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. "We request that the relevant jurisdiction investigate and clear up these serious charges," Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, wrote on Twitter on Friday, linking to the PanAm Post article. "Democratisation is not possible under the opacity of corrupt acts." Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a Friday tweet that the Maduro government had previously "denounced a gigantic corruption scheme of Guaido`s with money sent to Cucuta to recruit hitmen." In a statement, Guaido`s office said he had requested Colombian authorities` help with the investigation. "We condemn any possible act of corruption by Venezuelan citizens in the management of resources to pay for the lodging of troops who arrived in Colombia," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Twitter, calling on "relevant authorities" to investigate.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for probe into funds for military defectors

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-seeks-us-pentagon-cooperation-to-solve-political-crisis-217960">Juan Guaido</a> accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro.

Deputies said members of the National Guard, who provide security for the building, along with police and SEBIN intelligence agents, blocked access to the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

The move came as Amnesty International said it believes the Venezuelan authorities have committed crimes against humanity in their crackdown on anti-government protests, and urged the International Criminal Court to investigate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-launch-bid-to-evict-pro-maduro-activists-from-venezuela-embassy-218644">US police launch bid to evict pro-Maduro activists from Venezuela embassy</a>

"SEBIN agents, using the excuse that there's an explosive device within the facilities, took over the federal palace. We're surrounded by intelligence agents," lawmaker Manuela Bolivar told AFP.

Guaido said the security forces used "brute force", adding that congress was "occupied militarily".

He tried to incite an uprising against Maduro on April 30 but only around 30 members of the armed forces joined him, and the revolt quickly petered out. It did, however, spark two days of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces.

Since then, the Maduro regime has ramped up pressure on Guaido's allies and supporters.

The Constituent Assembly, a rival legislative body that was created by the Maduro government and is packed with people who support him, voted Tuesday to strip immunity from five more opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. That brings to 14 the number who will presumably go to trial for backing the failed insurrection. The charges include treason.

One of them, deputy assembly speaker Edgar Zambrano, was arrested by SEBIN agents last week. Another fled to neighbouring Colombia while three others sought refuge in diplomatic compounds.

Guaido -- the National Assembly president -- has accused Maduro of trying to dismantle the legislature.

"They're trying to hold the legislative power hostage while the dictator entrenches himself alone in a palace where he shouldn't be," Guaido said on Twitter.

He has previously accused the socialist leader of terrorism for his heavy-handed response to demonstrations.

Amnesty said Maduro's government responded with "a systematic and widespread policy of repression" in late January when anti-government protests swept the country after Guaido declared himself acting president.

The London-based rights group said at least 47 people were killed during the protests from January 21 to 25. At least 33 were shot dead by the security forces and six by government supporters.

"Eleven of these deaths were extrajudicial executions," said Erika Guevara, Americas director for Amnesty International, who presented a report in Mexico City, following February's fact-finding mission to Venezuela.

Some Maduro opponents were tortured while 900 people, including children, were arbitrarily detained, Amnesty said.

"The nature of the attacks... The level of coordination by the security forces, as well as the signs of similar patterns in 2014 and 2017, leads Amnesty International to believe that the Venezuelan authorities committed crimes against humanity."

Maduro himself "knew about these public and appalling acts and took no measures to either prevent or investigate them", Amnesty added in its statement.

Guaido's declaration that he is the country's legitimate acting president, which has been supported by more than 50 countries, plunged Venezuela into a political crisis.

It came about after the National Assembly branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial re-election last year in polls widely regarded as fraudulent. 
The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been stricken by recession and a humanitarian crisis in which almost a quarter of its 30 million population is in urgent need of aid, according to the United Nations (UN).

The UN also says that more than 2.7 million people have fled the country since 2015.

Those remaining behind face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicines, and failing public services including water, electricity and transport.

From early Tuesday, the security services cordoned off the building housing the National Assembly. Bullet-proof vehicles and a tow truck were parked in the surrounding streets.

"This is a recurring theme. It's not the first time it's happened," said Bolivar, who claimed this was part of "a policy to weaken the Assembly" and "intimidation" related to the power struggle between Guaido and Maduro, who retains the support of the armed forces.

Guaido insisted the move would not stop lawmakers from doing their job.

"Tomorrow we will be in session again, we'll reconvene and let the regime decide if it wants to continue with a type of political harakiri," he said.

"Whether it's in a square, in the annex buildings, under a bridge, the Assembly will sit and there will be a session," said congressman Luis Stefanelli.&nbsp;

Juan Guaido accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro.

Juan Guaido accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro. Deputies said members of the National Guard, who provide security for the building, along with police and SEBIN intelligence agents, blocked access to the opposition-controlled National Assembly. The move came as Amnesty International said it believes the Venezuelan authorities have committed crimes against humanity in their crackdown on anti-government protests, and urged the International Criminal Court to investigate. Also read: US police launch bid to evict pro-Maduro activists from Venezuela embassy "SEBIN agents, using the excuse that there's an explosive device within the facilities, took over the federal palace. We're surrounded by intelligence agents," lawmaker Manuela Bolivar told AFP. Guaido said the security forces used "brute force", adding that congress was "occupied militarily". He tried to incite an uprising against Maduro on April 30 but only around 30 members of the armed forces joined him, and the revolt quickly petered out. It did, however, spark two days of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. Since then, the Maduro regime has ramped up pressure on Guaido's allies and supporters. The Constituent Assembly, a rival legislative body that was created by the Maduro government and is packed with people who support him, voted Tuesday to strip immunity from five more opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. That brings to 14 the number who will presumably go to trial for backing the failed insurrection. The charges include treason. One of them, deputy assembly speaker Edgar Zambrano, was arrested by SEBIN agents last week. Another fled to neighbouring Colombia while three others sought refuge in diplomatic compounds. Guaido -- the National Assembly president -- has accused Maduro of trying to dismantle the legislature. "They're trying to hold the legislative power hostage while the dictator entrenches himself alone in a palace where he shouldn't be," Guaido said on Twitter. He has previously accused the socialist leader of terrorism for his heavy-handed response to demonstrations. Amnesty said Maduro's government responded with "a systematic and widespread policy of repression" in late January when anti-government protests swept the country after Guaido declared himself acting president. The London-based rights group said at least 47 people were killed during the protests from January 21 to 25. At least 33 were shot dead by the security forces and six by government supporters. "Eleven of these deaths were extrajudicial executions," said Erika Guevara, Americas director for Amnesty International, who presented a report in Mexico City, following February's fact-finding mission to Venezuela. Some Maduro opponents were tortured while 900 people, including children, were arbitrarily detained, Amnesty said. "The nature of the attacks... The level of coordination by the security forces, as well as the signs of similar patterns in 2014 and 2017, leads Amnesty International to believe that the Venezuelan authorities committed crimes against humanity." Maduro himself "knew about these public and appalling acts and took no measures to either prevent or investigate them", Amnesty added in its statement. Guaido's declaration that he is the country's legitimate acting president, which has been supported by more than 50 countries, plunged Venezuela into a political crisis. It came about after the National Assembly branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial re-election last year in polls widely regarded as fraudulent. The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been stricken by recession and a humanitarian crisis in which almost a quarter of its 30 million population is in urgent need of aid, according to the United Nations (UN). The UN also says that more than 2.7 million people have fled the country since 2015. Those remaining behind face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicines, and failing public services including water, electricity and transport. From early Tuesday, the security services cordoned off the building housing the National Assembly. Bullet-proof vehicles and a tow truck were parked in the surrounding streets. "This is a recurring theme. It's not the first time it's happened," said Bolivar, who claimed this was part of "a policy to weaken the Assembly" and "intimidation" related to the power struggle between Guaido and Maduro, who retains the support of the armed forces. Guaido insisted the move would not stop lawmakers from doing their job. "Tomorrow we will be in session again, we'll reconvene and let the regime decide if it wants to continue with a type of political harakiri," he said. "Whether it's in a square, in the annex buildings, under a bridge, the Assembly will sit and there will be a session," said congressman Luis Stefanelli.

Juan Guaido blasts Venezuela regime after security forces block congress

Venezuelan intelligence agents detained opposition leader Juan Guaido's congressional deputy on Wednesday, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, prompting the US government to warn of "consequences" if he was not released.

The SEBIN intelligence agency seized Edgar Zambrano, vice president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, in the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a military uprising last week to bring down President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Venezuela's pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly agreed on Tuesday to strip Zambrano and six other lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity to allow their future prosecution. The opposition does not recognize the assembly's decisions.

The Supreme Court had earlier accused those lawmakers of conspiracy, rebellion and treason, and accused another three opposition legislators of the same crimes on Wednesday.

The opposition says Maduro has stacked the court with his own supporters, while the US government this week threatened to sanction all its members.

The US&nbsp;government's Venezuelan embassy, now based in Washington, said Zambrano's "arbitrary detention" was "illegal and inexcusable."

"Maduro and his accomplices are those directly responsible for Zambrano's security. If he is not immediately freed, there will be consequences," the embassy said on Twitter.

An attempted uprising last week led by Guaido, recognized by the United States and other Western countries as the rightful head of state, failed to dislodge Maduro, as have a series of US sanctions against his government. Maduro decried the events as an attempted coup.

"One of the principal conspirators of the coup has just been arrested," Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, said in comments broadcast on state television.

"They will have to pay before the courts for the failed coup that they attempted," he said.

'KIDNAPPED'

Zambrano said on Twitter at about 6.40 pm local time (2240 GMT) SEBIN agents had surrounded his vehicle outside the headquarters of his Democratic Action party in Caracas' La Florida district.

"We were surprised by the SEBIN, and after refusing to let us leave our vehicle, they used a tow truck to forcibly transfer us directly to the (SEBIN headquarters) Helicoide," he said. It was not yet clear if Zambrano was already at the Helicoide.

Guaido said on Twitter: "The regime has kidnapped the first vice president."

Guaido invoked the constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as illegitimate after he secured re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Maduro has overseen the collapse of Venezuela's economy, which has shrunk by half over the past five years, forcing more than 3 million Venezuelans to emigrate.

The Constituent Assembly removed Guaido's parliamentary immunity in early April. Authorities have not tried to arrest him since then, but Maduro has said he will "face justice."

US President Donald Trump's administration has threatened Maduro's government with a harsh response should it ever detain Guaido.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court's head, Maikel Moreno, rebuffed the US&nbsp;government's threats to sanction his court's members if they did not reject Maduro's government and Guaido.

The US&nbsp;Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Moreno and the seven principal members of the court's constitutional chamber in 2017 for rulings that "usurped the authority" of the National Assembly.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the Trump administration would soon sanction the 25 remaining members of the court. Pence said the United States was lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against Maduro in order to encourage other Maduro allies to follow suit.

The head of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, said: "We demand the SEBIN stop the intimidation, respect the lawmakers' parliamentary immunities, and immediately release Edgar Zambrano."

Venezuelan intelligence agents detained opposition leader Juan Guaido's congressional deputy on Wednesday, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, prompting the US government to warn of "consequences" if he was not released.

Venezuelan intelligence agents detained opposition leader Juan Guaido's congressional deputy on Wednesday, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, prompting the US government to warn of "consequences" if he was not released. The SEBIN intelligence agency seized Edgar Zambrano, vice president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, in the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a military uprising last week to bring down President Nicolas Maduro's government. Venezuela's pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly agreed on Tuesday to strip Zambrano and six other lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity to allow their future prosecution. The opposition does not recognize the assembly's decisions. The Supreme Court had earlier accused those lawmakers of conspiracy, rebellion and treason, and accused another three opposition legislators of the same crimes on Wednesday. The opposition says Maduro has stacked the court with his own supporters, while the US government this week threatened to sanction all its members. The US government's Venezuelan embassy, now based in Washington, said Zambrano's "arbitrary detention" was "illegal and inexcusable." "Maduro and his accomplices are those directly responsible for Zambrano's security. If he is not immediately freed, there will be consequences," the embassy said on Twitter. An attempted uprising last week led by Guaido, recognized by the United States and other Western countries as the rightful head of state, failed to dislodge Maduro, as have a series of US sanctions against his government. Maduro decried the events as an attempted coup. "One of the principal conspirators of the coup has just been arrested," Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, said in comments broadcast on state television. "They will have to pay before the courts for the failed coup that they attempted," he said. 'KIDNAPPED' Zambrano said on Twitter at about 6.40 pm local time (2240 GMT) SEBIN agents had surrounded his vehicle outside the headquarters of his Democratic Action party in Caracas' La Florida district. "We were surprised by the SEBIN, and after refusing to let us leave our vehicle, they used a tow truck to forcibly transfer us directly to the (SEBIN headquarters) Helicoide," he said. It was not yet clear if Zambrano was already at the Helicoide. Guaido said on Twitter: "The regime has kidnapped the first vice president." Guaido invoked the constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as illegitimate after he secured re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Maduro has overseen the collapse of Venezuela's economy, which has shrunk by half over the past five years, forcing more than 3 million Venezuelans to emigrate. The Constituent Assembly removed Guaido's parliamentary immunity in early April. Authorities have not tried to arrest him since then, but Maduro has said he will "face justice." US President Donald Trump's administration has threatened Maduro's government with a harsh response should it ever detain Guaido. Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court's head, Maikel Moreno, rebuffed the US government's threats to sanction his court's members if they did not reject Maduro's government and Guaido. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Moreno and the seven principal members of the court's constitutional chamber in 2017 for rulings that "usurped the authority" of the National Assembly. US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the Trump administration would soon sanction the 25 remaining members of the court. Pence said the United States was lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against Maduro in order to encourage other Maduro allies to follow suit. The head of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, said: "We demand the SEBIN stop the intimidation, respect the lawmakers' parliamentary immunities, and immediately release Edgar Zambrano."

Venezuela: Guaido's deputy arrested and dragged away by tow truck

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro </a>and key military figures made a show of unity in a television broadcast on Thursday, seeking to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him.

Flanked by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino and military operations chief Remigio Ceballos, Maduro said in a dawn national address posted first to social media that the armed forces were "united, cohesive and subordinate to their constitutional mandate," just two days after opposition leader Juan Guaido urged the military to join him to oust Maduro.

Venezuelans heeded a call from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">Guaido</a> to take to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-more-protesters-die-following-venezuela-clashes-215484">streets on Wednesday</a> in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis that increasingly looks like a political stalemate.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, is recognized as Venezuela's legitimate head of state by the United States, the European Union and others, while Maduro is backed by countries including Russia, China and Cuba.

US officials have said the military high command was in discussions with the Supreme Court and representatives of Guaido over Maduro's exit, which would involve guarantees that members of the armed forces could keep their jobs in a transition government.

Elliott Abrams, the US special envoy for Venezuela, said Maduro cannot trust his top military leaders.

"Even when they say, 'I am totally loyal, Mr. President,' he cannot count on that," Abrams told broadcaster VPI on Wednesday.

"Almost everyone was involved with that, and so Maduro has to know that the high command is not truly loyal and they want a change."

The heightened tensions in the OPEC nation come more than three months after Guaido invoked the country's constitution to assume the interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Maduro calls Guaido a US&nbsp;puppet seeking a coup.

Guaido's call for an uprising on Tuesday, through a video in which he was surrounded by dozens of soldiers he said had joined his side, did not lead to immediate signs of a change.

But it led to two straight days of massive street demonstrations across the country that left hundreds injured or arrested, and four dead due to security forces' efforts to quell protests, according to rights groups.

Abrams' comments were not the first time US officials had raised doubts about the loyalty of Maduro's inner circle. US&nbsp;National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Padrino, along with the supreme court's chief justice and the commander of the presidential guard, had told the opposition Maduro needed to leave power.

"Do not come to buy us with a dishonest offer, as if we do not have dignity," Padrino said in Thursday's video while standing by Maduro's side. "Those who have fallen and sold their souls are no longer soldiers, they cannot be with us."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and key military figures made a show of unity in a television broadcast on Thursday, seeking to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and key military figures made a show of unity in a television broadcast on Thursday, seeking to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him. Flanked by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino and military operations chief Remigio Ceballos, Maduro said in a dawn national address posted first to social media that the armed forces were "united, cohesive and subordinate to their constitutional mandate," just two days after opposition leader Juan Guaido urged the military to join him to oust Maduro. Venezuelans heeded a call from Guaido to take to the streets on Wednesday in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis that increasingly looks like a political stalemate. Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, is recognized as Venezuela's legitimate head of state by the United States, the European Union and others, while Maduro is backed by countries including Russia, China and Cuba. US officials have said the military high command was in discussions with the Supreme Court and representatives of Guaido over Maduro's exit, which would involve guarantees that members of the armed forces could keep their jobs in a transition government. Elliott Abrams, the US special envoy for Venezuela, said Maduro cannot trust his top military leaders. "Even when they say, 'I am totally loyal, Mr. President,' he cannot count on that," Abrams told broadcaster VPI on Wednesday. "Almost everyone was involved with that, and so Maduro has to know that the high command is not truly loyal and they want a change." The heightened tensions in the OPEC nation come more than three months after Guaido invoked the country's constitution to assume the interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking a coup. Guaido's call for an uprising on Tuesday, through a video in which he was surrounded by dozens of soldiers he said had joined his side, did not lead to immediate signs of a change. But it led to two straight days of massive street demonstrations across the country that left hundreds injured or arrested, and four dead due to security forces' efforts to quell protests, according to rights groups. Abrams' comments were not the first time US officials had raised doubts about the loyalty of Maduro's inner circle. US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Padrino, along with the supreme court's chief justice and the commander of the presidential guard, had told the opposition Maduro needed to leave power. "Do not come to buy us with a dishonest offer, as if we do not have dignity," Padrino said in Thursday's video while standing by Maduro's side. "Those who have fallen and sold their souls are no longer soldiers, they cannot be with us."

Venezuela's Maduro seeks to display military loyalty in political crisis

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>.

"The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House.

"People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. 
"So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-topple-venezuelas-president-nicolas-maduro-215414">Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro?</a>

Meanwhile, a US official said&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland.

The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi.

"I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said.

Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, an ally of Moscow.

Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela.

Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law."

The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension.

The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido.

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House. "People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. "So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help." Also read: Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro? Meanwhile, a US official said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland. The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi. "I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said. Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Moscow. Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela. Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law." The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension. The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour.

Trump says 'brutal repression' of Venezuelan people 'must end'

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-claims-support-of-soldiers-from-a-caracas-base-214760"> troops had joined his campaign to oust President </a>Nicolas Maduro as the government vowed to put down what it said was an attempted coup.

"We are currently facing and deactivating a small group of treacherous military personnel who took positions in the Altamira distributor road (in Caracas) to promote a coup d'etat," Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said on Twitter.

"We call on the people to remain on maximum alert to -- with our glorious National Bolivarian Armed Forces -- defeat the attempted coup and preserve peace," he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-venezuela-relations-in-deep-freeze-214189/amp">US-Venezuela relations in deep freeze</a>

In a video recorded at a Caracas military air base posted on social media, the US-backed Guaido said troops had heeded months of urging to join his campaign to oust Maduro.

"Today brave soldiers, brave patriots, brave men supporting the constitution have answered our call," he said.

'Definitive phase'

He appeared alongside high-profile opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez who had been put under home arrest by Maduro's regime but who announced he had been "freed" by soldiers supporting Guaido.

Lopez posted a picture on Twitter with men in uniform, and said it was taken at the Carlota military base.

"Venezuela: the definitive phase to end the usurpation, Operation Liberty, has begun," read the message.

Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez asserted on Twitter that the situation in military barracks and bases in the country was "normal".

Tensions in Venezuela have been ratcheted up to a critical level this year, after Guaido, who is head of the opposition-ruled congress, announced January 23 that he was the acting president under the constitution. He said Maduro had been fraudulently re-elected last year.

The United States and major Latin American powers including Brazil, Peru and Chile swiftly backed Guaido, followed later on by the European Union.&nbsp;

But Maduro, who since taking over from his late mentor Hugo Chavez in 2013 has presided over a catastrophic economic implosion, has been able to count on support from Russia and China, Venezuela's two biggest creditors.

Although US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said "all options" are on the table regarding Venezuela -- including, implicitly, military action -- there has been no noticeable US military mobilization.

Instead, Washington has upped the economic pressure, through sanctions aimed at Maduro's regime and by cutting sales of Venezuelan oil -- the South American country's main revenue earner.

It also warned against any attempt to arrest Guaido, who has been left free to roam Venezuela and hold rallies.

Maduro and his government have repeatedly accused the United States of trying to foment a coup, and blame the economic devastation in the country on the tightening US sanctions.

In Madrid, the government warned against a "bloodbath."

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro as the government vowed to put down what it said was an attempted coup.

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro as the government vowed to put down what it said was an attempted coup. "We are currently facing and deactivating a small group of treacherous military personnel who took positions in the Altamira distributor road (in Caracas) to promote a coup d'etat," Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said on Twitter. "We call on the people to remain on maximum alert to -- with our glorious National Bolivarian Armed Forces -- defeat the attempted coup and preserve peace," he said. Also read: US-Venezuela relations in deep freeze In a video recorded at a Caracas military air base posted on social media, the US-backed Guaido said troops had heeded months of urging to join his campaign to oust Maduro. "Today brave soldiers, brave patriots, brave men supporting the constitution have answered our call," he said. 'Definitive phase' He appeared alongside high-profile opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez who had been put under home arrest by Maduro's regime but who announced he had been "freed" by soldiers supporting Guaido. Lopez posted a picture on Twitter with men in uniform, and said it was taken at the Carlota military base. "Venezuela: the definitive phase to end the usurpation, Operation Liberty, has begun," read the message. Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez asserted on Twitter that the situation in military barracks and bases in the country was "normal". Tensions in Venezuela have been ratcheted up to a critical level this year, after Guaido, who is head of the opposition-ruled congress, announced January 23 that he was the acting president under the constitution. He said Maduro had been fraudulently re-elected last year. The United States and major Latin American powers including Brazil, Peru and Chile swiftly backed Guaido, followed later on by the European Union. But Maduro, who since taking over from his late mentor Hugo Chavez in 2013 has presided over a catastrophic economic implosion, has been able to count on support from Russia and China, Venezuela's two biggest creditors. Although US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said "all options" are on the table regarding Venezuela -- including, implicitly, military action -- there has been no noticeable US military mobilization. Instead, Washington has upped the economic pressure, through sanctions aimed at Maduro's regime and by cutting sales of Venezuelan oil -- the South American country's main revenue earner. It also warned against any attempt to arrest Guaido, who has been left free to roam Venezuela and hold rallies. Maduro and his government have repeatedly accused the United States of trying to foment a coup, and blame the economic devastation in the country on the tightening US sanctions. In Madrid, the government warned against a "bloodbath."

Venezuela says 'attempted coup' underway

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro announced 30 days of electricity rationing on Sunday after his government said it was reducing the length of the workday and keeping schools closed due to devastating blackouts plaguing the country.

The measures are a stark admission by the government -- which has sought to blame repeated blackouts in March on sabotage -- that there is not enough electricity to go around, and that the power crisis is here to stay.

Speaking on state television, Maduro said he had approved "a 30-day plan" to ration power, "with an emphasis on guaranteeing water service."

Crippled infrastructure, little investment in the power grid and poor maintenance have all contributed to the electricity problem.

Add to that the country's economic deep crisis, eye-popping inflation rate and the "brain drain" of qualified personnel -- some 25,000 people in the electricity sector have left the country, part of the 2.7 million Venezuelans who have emigrated since 2015 -- and you have the makings of a crisis with no end in sight.

Earlier on Sunday, authorities announced other measures as a result of the electricity shortage.

"To achieve consistency in the provision of electricity, the Bolivarian government decided to maintain the suspension of school activities and establish a workday until 2:00 pm in public and private institutions," Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said on state television.

With no electricity, pumping stations can't work so water service is limited. Street lights and traffic lights go dark, pumps at fuel stations stand idle, and cell phone and internet service is non-existent.

"This is going to continue, the situation is very serious, there will be more blackouts and rationing," said Winton Cabas, president of the Venezuelan association of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

"The whole power grid is barely generating between 5,500 and 6,000 megawatts, when it has the capacity to generate 34,000 megawatts," he told AFP.

Who is responsible?

The Maduro government has blamed "terrorists" for alleged attacks that have damaged the Guri hydroelectric power plant, which generates 80 percent of Venezuela's electricity.

The Guri plant, however, was already showing signs of trouble: back in 2010, then-president Hugo Chavez said that electricity would be rationed in some Venezuelan states because water was low at the Guri dam due to a drought.

Jose Aguilar, a Venezuelan consultant living in the United States, says that the problems with the power grid run deep.

"Over the past 20 years, the infrastructure has been abused due to a lack of maintenance and the postponing of upgrade plans," he told AFP.

Add to that the "de-professionalization" of the sector after Chavez nationalized the privately-run power company in 2007, which led to pro-government loyalists taking positions as managers and engineers.

The blackouts have worsened the dire economic and living conditions in a country that is witnessing a political showdown between Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by the United States and some 50 other countries.

Spreading protests

Demonstrations by Venezuelans angry about the blackouts broke out Sunday in Caracas. Some demos, according to protesters and human rights NGOs, were attacked by "colectivos" -- pro-government enforcers that the opposition describe as armed paramilitary thugs.

Maduro has given the "colectivos" a green light to contain protests that he describes as violent mobs aiming to oust him from power.

Joaquin Rodriguez, a 54-year-old lawyer, was among the protesters gathered in Los Palos Grandes, a once-prosperous neighborhood that has endured blackouts for more than a decade.

"Once again a nationwide blackout is affecting our quality of life," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"We don't have water, we don't have any light, we don't have internet access, our phones don't work... we are even worse off than we could have imagined."

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro announced 30 days of electricity rationing on Sunday after his government said it was reducing the length of the workday and keeping schools closed due to devastating blackouts plaguing the country.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro announced 30 days of electricity rationing on Sunday after his government said it was reducing the length of the workday and keeping schools closed due to devastating blackouts plaguing the country. The measures are a stark admission by the government -- which has sought to blame repeated blackouts in March on sabotage -- that there is not enough electricity to go around, and that the power crisis is here to stay. Speaking on state television, Maduro said he had approved "a 30-day plan" to ration power, "with an emphasis on guaranteeing water service." Crippled infrastructure, little investment in the power grid and poor maintenance have all contributed to the electricity problem. Add to that the country's economic deep crisis, eye-popping inflation rate and the "brain drain" of qualified personnel -- some 25,000 people in the electricity sector have left the country, part of the 2.7 million Venezuelans who have emigrated since 2015 -- and you have the makings of a crisis with no end in sight. Earlier on Sunday, authorities announced other measures as a result of the electricity shortage. "To achieve consistency in the provision of electricity, the Bolivarian government decided to maintain the suspension of school activities and establish a workday until 2:00 pm in public and private institutions," Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said on state television. With no electricity, pumping stations can't work so water service is limited. Street lights and traffic lights go dark, pumps at fuel stations stand idle, and cell phone and internet service is non-existent. "This is going to continue, the situation is very serious, there will be more blackouts and rationing," said Winton Cabas, president of the Venezuelan association of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. "The whole power grid is barely generating between 5,500 and 6,000 megawatts, when it has the capacity to generate 34,000 megawatts," he told AFP. Who is responsible? The Maduro government has blamed "terrorists" for alleged attacks that have damaged the Guri hydroelectric power plant, which generates 80 percent of Venezuela's electricity. The Guri plant, however, was already showing signs of trouble: back in 2010, then-president Hugo Chavez said that electricity would be rationed in some Venezuelan states because water was low at the Guri dam due to a drought. Jose Aguilar, a Venezuelan consultant living in the United States, says that the problems with the power grid run deep. "Over the past 20 years, the infrastructure has been abused due to a lack of maintenance and the postponing of upgrade plans," he told AFP. Add to that the "de-professionalization" of the sector after Chavez nationalized the privately-run power company in 2007, which led to pro-government loyalists taking positions as managers and engineers. The blackouts have worsened the dire economic and living conditions in a country that is witnessing a political showdown between Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by the United States and some 50 other countries. Spreading protests Demonstrations by Venezuelans angry about the blackouts broke out Sunday in Caracas. Some demos, according to protesters and human rights NGOs, were attacked by "colectivos" -- pro-government enforcers that the opposition describe as armed paramilitary thugs. Maduro has given the "colectivos" a green light to contain protests that he describes as violent mobs aiming to oust him from power. Joaquin Rodriguez, a 54-year-old lawyer, was among the protesters gathered in Los Palos Grandes, a once-prosperous neighborhood that has endured blackouts for more than a decade. "Once again a nationwide blackout is affecting our quality of life," he told AFP. "We don't have water, we don't have any light, we don't have internet access, our phones don't work... we are even worse off than we could have imagined."

Nicolas Maduro announces 30 days of electricity rationing in Venezuela

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-blames-us-weapons-for-massive-blackout-202264">massive blackout</a>.

Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slashes-visa-duration-for-cubans-in-reciprocal-move-203628">United States</a> but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure.

Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defence of Basic Strategic Services" would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance."&nbsp;

Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic" security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment.

Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks" against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed" by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton.

The blackout hit on March 7 and paralyzed the entire country.

The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts.

The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence," claiming it was neutralised.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president.

He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, led by the US.

He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment.

Maduro accused him of "sabotage," although experts doubt that version of events.

Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis.

An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout. Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the United States but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure. Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defence of Basic Strategic Services" would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance." Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic" security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment. Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks" against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed" by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton. The blackout hit on March 7 and paralyzed the entire country. The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts. The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence," claiming it was neutralised. Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president. He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, led by the US. He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment. Maduro accused him of "sabotage," although experts doubt that version of events. Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis. An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines.

Maduro creates military unit to protect public service installations

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-give-economic-lifeline-for-maduro-regime-in-venezuela-pompeo-to-indian-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-202737">Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale</a>

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting&nbsp;Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-to-upgrade-software-in-737-max-8-fleet-in-weeks-202738">Will upgrade software in 737 MAX 8 fleet in coming weeks: Boeing</a>

Boeing&nbsp;Co confirmed late on Monday it will deploy a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8, a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration said it would mandate "design changes" in the aircraft by April.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">UK, EU </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">agree</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">three-part</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716"> deal on Brexit deal</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the&nbsp;terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over&nbsp;sceptical MPs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-president-bouteflika-abandons-re-election-bid-after-weeks-of-protest-202747">Algeria's President Bouteflika abandons re-election bid after weeks of protest</a>

Algerian&nbsp;President Abdelaziz Bouteflika&nbsp;abandoned his bid for a fifth term in power on Monday, bowing to weeks of mass demonstrations against his 20-year rule by people demanding a new era of politics in a country dominated by an old guard.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">blackout</a>

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a&nbsp;five-day power blackout&nbsp;that has crippled the OPEC member&nbsp;country's oil exports&nbsp;and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.&nbsp;

Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime.

Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it. Will upgrade software in 737 MAX 8 fleet in coming weeks: Boeing Boeing Co confirmed late on Monday it will deploy a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8, a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration said it would mandate "design changes" in the aircraft by April. UK, EU agree three-part deal on Brexit deal British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over sceptical MPs. Algeria's President Bouteflika abandons re-election bid after weeks of protest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika abandoned his bid for a fifth term in power on Monday, bowing to weeks of mass demonstrations against his 20-year rule by people demanding a new era of politics in a country dominated by an old guard. Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over blackout Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a five-day power blackout that has crippled the OPEC member country's oil exports and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Thousands of people are relying on illegal smugglers' routes across the Tachira River to traverse the Venezuela-Colombia border, which was closed late last month amid a row over humanitarian aid. 
 
Less than two weeks ago, the Simon Bolivar International Bridge was jam-packed with people visiting Cucuta from the Venezuelan border city of San Antonio del Tachira to purchase basic supplies, receive medical treatment, work or study. 
 
But that official route is currently off-limits. 
 
On Feb. 23, amid failed attempts by his political enemies to move tons of humanitarian aid across the border from Colombia, embattled leftist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the severing of ties with the neighboring country and the closure of the border crossings leading to the northeastern Colombian province of Norte de Santander. 
 
Maduro had earlier shut Venezuela's border with Brazil, where other humanitarian aid had been stockpiled.

Also read : <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-starts-shutting-borders-to-block-humanitarian-aid-198833">Venezuela's Maduro starts shutting borders to block humanitarian aid</a> 
 
The closure of the border with Colombia affected thousands of Venezuelans who see Cucuta as an oasis in the middle of a desert of scarcity in their homeland, which is suffering from shortages of food and medicine and hyperinflation. 
 
Desperate to get across, they are now relying on "trochas" - illegal trails normally used by smugglers and drug traffickers - to get across the shallow Tachira River that divides the two countries. 
 
Narrow rock paths on the river bed are now serving as bridges for large numbers of people who walk under a relentless sun while carrying suitcases, sacks and bags filled with products they can't find in Venezuela. 
 
The crowd of people includes numerous children in school uniforms who cross the river every morning on makeshift wooden and plastic rafts to study in Cucuta and then make the return journey in the afternoon. 
 
"I've spent the whole day helping students, mothers, pregnant women across, not charging anything. Sometimes they bring food or give us something (money)," a man who identified himself only as "Larry" told EFE. 
 
Like many others, he preferred not to give his real name due to fear of the criminal gangs that hold sway on the trochas. 
 
A native of the northern Venezuelan state of Miranda, Larry lamented that members of Venezuela's National Guard are not letting their countrymen cross the border into Colombia. 
 
"The guards at the bridge don't let people pass, but eventually one of their relatives will need to get across, and we'll also help them," he said. 
 
Maduro, who is facing a challenge to his leadership from the speaker of the opposition-led National Assembly (unicameral legislature), Juan Guaido, closed the border to keep out deliveries of humanitarian aid, which he said was an attempt to humiliate Venezuela and a Trojan horse that is part of a broader coup attempt. 
 
On February&nbsp;22nd, Guaido, who had declared himself Venezuela's interim president a month earlier, defied a travel ban and crossed the border into Colombia to coordinate aid deliveries from the United States and other countries. 
 
But the Venezuelan security forces, who remain loyal to Maduro, blocked it from entering. 
 
Around 50 countries, including the US, Germany, the United Kingdom, Colombia and Brazil, say Maduro's re-election victory last year was fraudulent, recognize Guaido as acting president and are calling for new presidential balloting. 
 
Russia, China and India are among the dozens of nations that still regard Maduro as the legitimate president of the South American nation. 
 
Luis Lopez, who arrived in Cucuta from Carache, a town in the western state of Trujillo, said he had to get across to purchase medicine for a family member who is suffering from cancer. 
 
"We tried to cross the bridge but you can't. So we had no choice but to use the trocha to look for medicine for my mother-in-law. We plan to buy it and go back," the 54-year-old told EFE. 
 
While some return from their brief visits to Colombia with food and other basic supplies on their backs, others arrive at the border mired in disappointment. 
Geraldine Morales, a Venezuelan who had been working in the Colombian city of Medellin as a manicurist, was forced to return to her homeland because she was unable to find anyone to care for her young son. 
 
"Just thinking about returning changes one's whole mental outlook: going through all this misfortune, having to cross (the border) like this, not even being able to cross over the bridge. It's utterly sad and depressing," Morales told EFE. 
 
Like the others walking along the trochas, the 31-year-old woman said she hopes the situation improves and that the guards once again allow her countrymen across. 
 
Another series of trochas can be found near the Francisco de Paula Santander International Bridge, which also stretches over the Tachira River and links Cucuta with the Venezuelan city of Ureña. 
 
On one of the trails that snake their way through the weeds, a group of Venezuelan volunteers on the Colombian side of the border have been helping people - including some on crutches on in wheelchairs - make their way across. 
 
"For now, this will be our (border) crossing, for coming to shop for groceries, for anything we need, for the sick, for everything," Yorlei Carrillo, who sets off early in the morning to accompany her children - aged eight and 14 - to school in Cucuta, told EFE. 
 
Resigned to the fact the official border bridges will remain closed for now, she is looking on the bright side. 
 
"They say the trochas are dangerous but so far for us they've been a great help and a huge relief." 
 
The 33-year-old, short of breath after crossing the river for the umpteenth time, said she doesn't feel afraid to use the trochas, calling them "everybody's friendly path."

Thousands of people are relying on illegal smugglers' routes across the Tachira River to traverse the Venezuela-Colombia border, which was closed late last month amid a row over humanitarian aid.

Thousands of people are relying on illegal smugglers' routes across the Tachira River to traverse the Venezuela-Colombia border, which was closed late last month amid a row over humanitarian aid. Less than two weeks ago, the Simon Bolivar International Bridge was jam-packed with people visiting Cucuta from the Venezuelan border city of San Antonio del Tachira to purchase basic supplies, receive medical treatment, work or study. But that official route is currently off-limits. On Feb. 23, amid failed attempts by his political enemies to move tons of humanitarian aid across the border from Colombia, embattled leftist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the severing of ties with the neighboring country and the closure of the border crossings leading to the northeastern Colombian province of Norte de Santander. Maduro had earlier shut Venezuela's border with Brazil, where other humanitarian aid had been stockpiled. Also read : Venezuela's Maduro starts shutting borders to block humanitarian aid The closure of the border with Colombia affected thousands of Venezuelans who see Cucuta as an oasis in the middle of a desert of scarcity in their homeland, which is suffering from shortages of food and medicine and hyperinflation. Desperate to get across, they are now relying on "trochas" - illegal trails normally used by smugglers and drug traffickers - to get across the shallow Tachira River that divides the two countries. Narrow rock paths on the river bed are now serving as bridges for large numbers of people who walk under a relentless sun while carrying suitcases, sacks and bags filled with products they can't find in Venezuela. The crowd of people includes numerous children in school uniforms who cross the river every morning on makeshift wooden and plastic rafts to study in Cucuta and then make the return journey in the afternoon. "I've spent the whole day helping students, mothers, pregnant women across, not charging anything. Sometimes they bring food or give us something (money)," a man who identified himself only as "Larry" told EFE. Like many others, he preferred not to give his real name due to fear of the criminal gangs that hold sway on the trochas. A native of the northern Venezuelan state of Miranda, Larry lamented that members of Venezuela's National Guard are not letting their countrymen cross the border into Colombia. "The guards at the bridge don't let people pass, but eventually one of their relatives will need to get across, and we'll also help them," he said. Maduro, who is facing a challenge to his leadership from the speaker of the opposition-led National Assembly (unicameral legislature), Juan Guaido, closed the border to keep out deliveries of humanitarian aid, which he said was an attempt to humiliate Venezuela and a Trojan horse that is part of a broader coup attempt. On February 22nd, Guaido, who had declared himself Venezuela's interim president a month earlier, defied a travel ban and crossed the border into Colombia to coordinate aid deliveries from the United States and other countries. But the Venezuelan security forces, who remain loyal to Maduro, blocked it from entering. Around 50 countries, including the US, Germany, the United Kingdom, Colombia and Brazil, say Maduro's re-election victory last year was fraudulent, recognize Guaido as acting president and are calling for new presidential balloting. Russia, China and India are among the dozens of nations that still regard Maduro as the legitimate president of the South American nation. Luis Lopez, who arrived in Cucuta from Carache, a town in the western state of Trujillo, said he had to get across to purchase medicine for a family member who is suffering from cancer. "We tried to cross the bridge but you can't. So we had no choice but to use the trocha to look for medicine for my mother-in-law. We plan to buy it and go back," the 54-year-old told EFE. While some return from their brief visits to Colombia with food and other basic supplies on their backs, others arrive at the border mired in disappointment. Geraldine Morales, a Venezuelan who had been working in the Colombian city of Medellin as a manicurist, was forced to return to her homeland because she was unable to find anyone to care for her young son. "Just thinking about returning changes one's whole mental outlook: going through all this misfortune, having to cross (the border) like this, not even being able to cross over the bridge. It's utterly sad and depressing," Morales told EFE. Like the others walking along the trochas, the 31-year-old woman said she hopes the situation improves and that the guards once again allow her countrymen across. Another series of trochas can be found near the Francisco de Paula Santander International Bridge, which also stretches over the Tachira River and links Cucuta with the Venezuelan city of Ureña. On one of the trails that snake their way through the weeds, a group of Venezuelan volunteers on the Colombian side of the border have been helping people - including some on crutches on in wheelchairs - make their way across. "For now, this will be our (border) crossing, for coming to shop for groceries, for anything we need, for the sick, for everything," Yorlei Carrillo, who sets off early in the morning to accompany her children - aged eight and 14 - to school in Cucuta, told EFE. Resigned to the fact the official border bridges will remain closed for now, she is looking on the bright side. "They say the trochas are dangerous but so far for us they've been a great help and a huge relief." The 33-year-old, short of breath after crossing the river for the umpteenth time, said she doesn't feel afraid to use the trochas, calling them "everybody's friendly path."

People opting for smugglers' routes amid Venezuela-Colombia border shutdown

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