<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

Two more opposition demonstrators, both minors, have died from injuries sustained in clashes with Venezuelan security forces, the opposition said Thursday, bringing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-shot-dead-at-least-27-hurt-in-venezuela-may-day-clashes-215370">death toll</a> in two days of unrest to four.

A 14-year-old, Yoifre Hernandez, died after being hit by gunfire during May Day clashes in Caracas, lawmakers and family members said.&nbsp;

They said the other youth, Yosner Graterol, 16, died after he was shot during unrest in the northern town of La Victoria on Tuesday.

The clashes followed a failed uprising Tuesday by a group of military personnel rallied by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

National Guard troops fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters attempting to block a highway close to the airbase in eastern Caracas where Guaido had tried on Tuesday to spark a military uprising.

Guaido rallied his supporters in Caracas in the Labor Day demonstrations, urging them to stay in the streets.

His appeal came despite the apparent failure the day before of a revolt by some soldiers and members of the Bolivarian National Guard who joined his side.

In Tuesday's clashes, one person was killed and dozens injured, according to human rights monitors. More than 150 people were arrested, the government and human rights organisations said. 
&nbsp;

Two more opposition demonstrators, both minors, have died from injuries sustained in clashes with Venezuelan security forces, the opposition said Thursday, bringing the death toll in two days of unrest to four.

Two more opposition demonstrators, both minors, have died from injuries sustained in clashes with Venezuelan security forces, the opposition said Thursday, bringing the death toll in two days of unrest to four. A 14-year-old, Yoifre Hernandez, died after being hit by gunfire during May Day clashes in Caracas, lawmakers and family members said. They said the other youth, Yosner Graterol, 16, died after he was shot during unrest in the northern town of La Victoria on Tuesday. The clashes followed a failed uprising Tuesday by a group of military personnel rallied by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. National Guard troops fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters attempting to block a highway close to the airbase in eastern Caracas where Guaido had tried on Tuesday to spark a military uprising. Guaido rallied his supporters in Caracas in the Labor Day demonstrations, urging them to stay in the streets. His appeal came despite the apparent failure the day before of a revolt by some soldiers and members of the Bolivarian National Guard who joined his side. In Tuesday's clashes, one person was killed and dozens injured, according to human rights monitors. More than 150 people were arrested, the government and human rights organisations said.

Two more protesters die following Venezuela clashes

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'

Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro?

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed Tuesday that embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was preparing to leave the country for Cuba, but was talked out of it by Russia.

Venezuela crisis: Mike Pompeo urges Russia to stop supporting Maduro

A woman was shot dead and more than two dozen people were injured during May Day clashes between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in Caracas on Wednesday, with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

Jurubith Rausseo, 27, died at a clinic after being hit by a "bullet in the head during (a) demonstration," the non-governmental Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict said on Twitter.

It condemned her "murder," after health services earlier reported at least 27 people injured in Wednesday's clashes, including one person with a gunshot wound.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-trade-accusations-on-venezuela-in-phone-call-215196">US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call</a>

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

National Guard troops fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters attempting to block a highway close to the airbase in eastern Caracas where Guaido had tried on Tuesday to spark a military uprising.

A second day of confrontations between opposition supporters and Maduro's security services came as the United States said it was prepared to take military action, if necessary, to stem the crisis in the South American nation.

At least one journalist was injured when National Guard soldiers fired rubber bullets at a group of reporters covering the clashes.

Miguel Ramirez, 17, told AFP at one medical center that he had been shot in the foot while protesting on the highway near the La Carlota air base. 
"I didn't manage to run and hide," he said.

Guaido rallied his supporters in Caracas in the Labor Day demonstrations, urging them to stay in the streets.

His appeal came despite the apparent failure the day before of a revolt by some soldiers and members of the Bolivarian National Guard who joined his side.

In Tuesday's clashes, one person was killed and dozens injured, according to human rights monitors. More than 150 people were arrested, the government and human rights organizations said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators, while the US and Russia accused each other of making the crisis worse, evoking Cold War confrontations of the past.

In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Moscow of "destabilizing" Venezuela.

Lavrov, in turn, charged that US interference was "destructive" and "in flagrant violation of international law." "There is nothing for workers to celebrate," Guaido told supporters in the oil-rich country suffering from hyperinflation and food and medicine shortages that have driven millions to flee.

"We're going to remain in the streets until we achieve freedom for the Venezuelan people.

"The regime will try to increase the repression. It will try to persecute me, to stage a coup d'etat," said Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries as the country's interim president.

He said staggered industrial action would begin on Thursday, leading to a general strike.

Before thousands of his own supporters in front of Miraflores palace on May Day, Maduro declared he will have "no hesitation" to lock up those responsible for this "criminal coup d'etat," threats recalling those he made the previous day.

In his Wednesday address, Maduro alleged that the "so-called coup d'etat" had been organized "from the White House" by US National Security Advisor John Bolton.

Hours after the revolt by military members appeared to have fizzled out, Pompeo told CNN he believed Maduro was ready to flee to ally Cuba before he was dissuaded by Russia -- a claim Maduro later refuted as "a joke." A senior Brazilian official said at least 25 Venezuelan troops had sought asylum at its Caracas embassy.

Venezuela's security forces number around 365,000 including military and police, as well as 1.6 million civilian reservists.

Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington wants a peaceful transfer of power but warned that US President Donald Trump is prepared to take military action if necessary.

"The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do," Pompeo told Fox Business Network.

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport.

"We're living through hell," a resident of western Caracas, Evelinda Villalobos, 58, told AFP.

"I believe the people in the streets will be the straw that breaks the camel's back." Another demonstrator, Patricia Requena, 40, said that "yesterday we saw soldiers recognizing our interim president. We have to stay in the streets." She vowed: "I'll keep demonstrating as long as God allows me to." Michael Shifter, an analyst with the Inter-American Dialogue, told AFP the US approach to Venezuela was "unhelpful and often counterproductive."&nbsp;

"The US is right to back Guaido in his battle against Maduro," said Shifter.

"But beyond being on the right side, the administration is making it harder, not easier, to achieve a democratic transition in Venezuela."&nbsp;

A woman was shot dead and more than two dozen people were injured during May Day clashes between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in Caracas on Wednesday, with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

A woman was shot dead and more than two dozen people were injured during May Day clashes between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in Caracas on Wednesday, with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro. Jurubith Rausseo, 27, died at a clinic after being hit by a "bullet in the head during (a) demonstration," the non-governmental Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict said on Twitter. It condemned her "murder," after health services earlier reported at least 27 people injured in Wednesday's clashes, including one person with a gunshot wound. Also read: US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. National Guard troops fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters attempting to block a highway close to the airbase in eastern Caracas where Guaido had tried on Tuesday to spark a military uprising. A second day of confrontations between opposition supporters and Maduro's security services came as the United States said it was prepared to take military action, if necessary, to stem the crisis in the South American nation. At least one journalist was injured when National Guard soldiers fired rubber bullets at a group of reporters covering the clashes. Miguel Ramirez, 17, told AFP at one medical center that he had been shot in the foot while protesting on the highway near the La Carlota air base. "I didn't manage to run and hide," he said. Guaido rallied his supporters in Caracas in the Labor Day demonstrations, urging them to stay in the streets. His appeal came despite the apparent failure the day before of a revolt by some soldiers and members of the Bolivarian National Guard who joined his side. In Tuesday's clashes, one person was killed and dozens injured, according to human rights monitors. More than 150 people were arrested, the government and human rights organizations said. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators, while the US and Russia accused each other of making the crisis worse, evoking Cold War confrontations of the past. In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Moscow of "destabilizing" Venezuela. Lavrov, in turn, charged that US interference was "destructive" and "in flagrant violation of international law." "There is nothing for workers to celebrate," Guaido told supporters in the oil-rich country suffering from hyperinflation and food and medicine shortages that have driven millions to flee. "We're going to remain in the streets until we achieve freedom for the Venezuelan people. "The regime will try to increase the repression. It will try to persecute me, to stage a coup d'etat," said Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries as the country's interim president. He said staggered industrial action would begin on Thursday, leading to a general strike. Before thousands of his own supporters in front of Miraflores palace on May Day, Maduro declared he will have "no hesitation" to lock up those responsible for this "criminal coup d'etat," threats recalling those he made the previous day. In his Wednesday address, Maduro alleged that the "so-called coup d'etat" had been organized "from the White House" by US National Security Advisor John Bolton. Hours after the revolt by military members appeared to have fizzled out, Pompeo told CNN he believed Maduro was ready to flee to ally Cuba before he was dissuaded by Russia -- a claim Maduro later refuted as "a joke." A senior Brazilian official said at least 25 Venezuelan troops had sought asylum at its Caracas embassy. Venezuela's security forces number around 365,000 including military and police, as well as 1.6 million civilian reservists. Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington wants a peaceful transfer of power but warned that US President Donald Trump is prepared to take military action if necessary. "The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do," Pompeo told Fox Business Network. Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport. "We're living through hell," a resident of western Caracas, Evelinda Villalobos, 58, told AFP. "I believe the people in the streets will be the straw that breaks the camel's back." Another demonstrator, Patricia Requena, 40, said that "yesterday we saw soldiers recognizing our interim president. We have to stay in the streets." She vowed: "I'll keep demonstrating as long as God allows me to." Michael Shifter, an analyst with the Inter-American Dialogue, told AFP the US approach to Venezuela was "unhelpful and often counterproductive." "The US is right to back Guaido in his battle against Maduro," said Shifter. "But beyond being on the right side, the administration is making it harder, not easier, to achieve a democratic transition in Venezuela."

One shot dead, at least 27 hurt in Venezuela May Day clashes

In an effort to pacify <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-protesters-throw-stones-at-valencia-security-forces-215342">boiling Venezuelans</a>, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything."

"I declare Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, the days of the great national dialogue, actions, and proposals of all representatives of the people`s authority. So that they would tell the Bolivarian government and Nicolas Maduro what is necessary to be changed," TASS quoted Maduro as saying.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-trade-accusations-on-venezuela-in-phone-call-215196">US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call</a>

"I want to adopt a plan to change and improve everything, to correct mistakes," Maduro said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-break-out-at-venezuela-may-day-protest-215199">Violent clashes</a> erupted in the south American nation after the self-declared president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/juan-guaido-calls-for-operation-freedom-to-topple-venezuelas-maduro-215341">Juan Guaido</a> announced the beginning of "Operation Freedom" to oust the defiant Maduro regime.&nbsp;

According to local media, Guaido took the bold step after few of the Maduro-loyal army personnel defected towards Gauido.

In the clashes, the main opposition party of Venezuela has claimed that 78 people have sustained injuries Soon after the clash, the government "intermittently" blocked social media platforms.&nbsp;

With this, tension has escalated between Russia and the United States. Each side has blamed others for interfering in the internal matters of the country.

The United States is keeping a close watch on the developments in Venezuela. Washington had immediately extended its support to Guaido, recognising him as the official interim president of the nation.

Other countries like France, Japan, and the UK sided with the United States in recognising Guaido, while countries like China, Russia and Turkey slammed external interference in Venezuela`s internal affairs.

Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the United States.

Maduro`s government has continued to deny the existence of a humanitarian crisis in the Latin American nation, blocking off his country from receiving any aid sent by the US.&nbsp;

He has also blamed the United States for the blackouts which brought the nation to a standstill recently.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In an effort to pacify boiling Venezuelans, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything.

In an effort to pacify boiling Venezuelans, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything." "I declare Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, the days of the great national dialogue, actions, and proposals of all representatives of the people`s authority. So that they would tell the Bolivarian government and Nicolas Maduro what is necessary to be changed," TASS quoted Maduro as saying. Also read: US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call "I want to adopt a plan to change and improve everything, to correct mistakes," Maduro said. Violent clashes erupted in the south American nation after the self-declared president Juan Guaido announced the beginning of "Operation Freedom" to oust the defiant Maduro regime. According to local media, Guaido took the bold step after few of the Maduro-loyal army personnel defected towards Gauido. In the clashes, the main opposition party of Venezuela has claimed that 78 people have sustained injuries Soon after the clash, the government "intermittently" blocked social media platforms. With this, tension has escalated between Russia and the United States. Each side has blamed others for interfering in the internal matters of the country. The United States is keeping a close watch on the developments in Venezuela. Washington had immediately extended its support to Guaido, recognising him as the official interim president of the nation. Other countries like France, Japan, and the UK sided with the United States in recognising Guaido, while countries like China, Russia and Turkey slammed external interference in Venezuela`s internal affairs. Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the United States. Maduro`s government has continued to deny the existence of a humanitarian crisis in the Latin American nation, blocking off his country from receiving any aid sent by the US. He has also blamed the United States for the blackouts which brought the nation to a standstill recently.

Nicolas Maduro open to 'adopt a plan' to improve Venezuela's condition

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 1st May, 2019

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for operation freedom to topple President Nicolas Maduro. Watch the full video to know more.

Juan Guaido calls for operation freedom to topple Venezuela's Maduro

Here is the impact of the Venezuela crisis on the rest of the world as the US & Russia back their camps in the oil-rich nation.

WION Gravitas: Is it Cold War 2.0 in Venezuela?

Security forces used tear gas and water cannon against demonstrators in Caracas amid fresh protests against President Nicolás Maduro. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuela Power Struggle: Protesters clash with security forces

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Tuesday made his strongest call yet to the military to help him oust President Nicolas Maduro but there were no concrete signs of defection from the armed forces leadership.

Venezuela crisis: Violence rocks nation, Venezuelans take to the streets for Maduro uprising

Venezuela Power Struggle: Will Guaido topple Maduro?

Oil prices pared their gains on Tuesday, after global benchmark Brent crude rose above $73 a barrel, as the market grew less worried that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calling-on-armed-forces-to-continue-operation-freedom-venezuelas-guaido-214896">rebellion against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> would hit the country's crude exports.

Prices rose after Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for military backing to end Maduro's rule, but pared gains after the government said state-run oil company PDVSA's operations were not disrupted and top military leaders remained loyal.

"The possibility that Guaido will take control of the situation isn't as strong as perceived this morning," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York. "If Maduro hangs on, you'll see the market stay lower."

Brent crude futures hit a session high of $73.27 per barrel and settled 76 cents, or 1.1 per cent, higher at $72.80. Last week, Brent hit a six-month high above $75.

US crude futures closed at $63.91, up 41 cents, or 0.7 per cent, on the day, after hitting a session high at $64.75.

Prices pared their gains further in post-settlement trade after industry group American Petroleum Institute reported that US crude inventories rose 6.8 million barrels last week, more than analysts' forecasts for a 1.5 million-barrel build. Official government data is due on Wednesday.

OPEC member Venezuela's oil exports have already been reduced by US sanctions on PDVSA and an economic crisis, helping to curb the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' production to a four-year low, according to a Reuters survey.

If Maduro's government remains in power for much longer, Venezuela's crude exports and output will continue to decline as the OPEC producer wrestles with power outages and other problems, analysts said.

"The situation appears to be getting much worse, rather than better," said Phillip Streible, senior commodities strategist at RJO Futures in Chicago. "Their oil production is going to continue to slide."

Earlier, crude prices drew support when Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said a deal between producers to cut output could be extended to the end of 2019. US President Donald Trump has pressured OPEC to raise output as Washington has tightened sanctions against Iran.

OPEC and other allies led by Russia have agreed to cut output by around 1.2 million bpd for six months until the end of June. The group meets in Vienna on June 25-26 to decide on next steps.

Also supporting prices was government data showing that US crude production fell in February for the second month in a row, sliding 187,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 11.7 million bpd.

"That's modestly supportive of prices," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. "We saw a pullback in operations in reaction to lower prices from last year. It shows the march forward to ever-higher production isn't limitless."

Rising output to record levels has made the US the top global oil producer, helping to boost domestic crude stocks to their highest since October 2017.

Oil prices pared their gains on Tuesday, after global benchmark Brent crude rose above $73 a barrel, as the market grew less worried that a rebellion against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro would hit the country's crude exports.

Oil prices pared their gains on Tuesday, after global benchmark Brent crude rose above $73 a barrel, as the market grew less worried that a rebellion against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro would hit the country's crude exports. Prices rose after Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for military backing to end Maduro's rule, but pared gains after the government said state-run oil company PDVSA's operations were not disrupted and top military leaders remained loyal. "The possibility that Guaido will take control of the situation isn't as strong as perceived this morning," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York. "If Maduro hangs on, you'll see the market stay lower." Brent crude futures hit a session high of $73.27 per barrel and settled 76 cents, or 1.1 per cent, higher at $72.80. Last week, Brent hit a six-month high above $75. US crude futures closed at $63.91, up 41 cents, or 0.7 per cent, on the day, after hitting a session high at $64.75. Prices pared their gains further in post-settlement trade after industry group American Petroleum Institute reported that US crude inventories rose 6.8 million barrels last week, more than analysts' forecasts for a 1.5 million-barrel build. Official government data is due on Wednesday. OPEC member Venezuela's oil exports have already been reduced by US sanctions on PDVSA and an economic crisis, helping to curb the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' production to a four-year low, according to a Reuters survey. If Maduro's government remains in power for much longer, Venezuela's crude exports and output will continue to decline as the OPEC producer wrestles with power outages and other problems, analysts said. "The situation appears to be getting much worse, rather than better," said Phillip Streible, senior commodities strategist at RJO Futures in Chicago. "Their oil production is going to continue to slide." Earlier, crude prices drew support when Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said a deal between producers to cut output could be extended to the end of 2019. US President Donald Trump has pressured OPEC to raise output as Washington has tightened sanctions against Iran. OPEC and other allies led by Russia have agreed to cut output by around 1.2 million bpd for six months until the end of June. The group meets in Vienna on June 25-26 to decide on next steps. Also supporting prices was government data showing that US crude production fell in February for the second month in a row, sliding 187,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 11.7 million bpd. "That's modestly supportive of prices," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. "We saw a pullback in operations in reaction to lower prices from last year. It shows the march forward to ever-higher production isn't limitless." Rising output to record levels has made the US the top global oil producer, helping to boost domestic crude stocks to their highest since October 2017.

Oil pares gains as fears ease on Venezuelan exports

Nicolas Maduro addresses Venezuela, He congratulated the the armed forces as well.

Nicolas Maduro addresses Venezuela

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-arrest-suspect-in-university-of-north-carolina-shooting-214919">Police arrest suspect in University of North Carolina shooting; 2 killed</a>

Police have arrested a suspect in a shooting that left two people dead and four others injured, three critically, on Tuesday at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-made-latest-video-in-remote-area-iraq-pm-adel-abdul-mahdi-214903">IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made latest video in 'remote area': Iraq PM Adel Abdul Mahdi</a>

Islamic State remains a potent threat around the world despite reduced capabilities, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday, adding its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had made his latest video appearance in a "remote area".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-imd-issues-yellow-warning-in-odisha-predicting-heavy-rainfall-214909">Cyclone Fani: IMD issues 'yellow warning' in Odisha predicting heavy rainfall</a>

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a 'yellow warning' for Odisha coast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places such as Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Sundargarh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calling-on-armed-forces-to-continue-operation-freedom-venezuelas-guaido-214896">Maduro appears with defence minister as Guaido calls to continue 'Operation Freedom'</a>

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/got-a-crush-on-another-facebook-user-the-social-network-will-help-you-connect-214893">Got a crush on another Facebook user? The social network will help you connect</a>

As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends.

Police arrest suspect in University of North Carolina shooting; 2 killed Police have arrested a suspect in a shooting that left two people dead and four others injured, three critically, on Tuesday at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Police arrest suspect in University of North Carolina shooting; 2 killed Police have arrested a suspect in a shooting that left two people dead and four others injured, three critically, on Tuesday at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made latest video in 'remote area': Iraq PM Adel Abdul Mahdi Islamic State remains a potent threat around the world despite reduced capabilities, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday, adding its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had made his latest video appearance in a "remote area". Cyclone Fani: IMD issues 'yellow warning' in Odisha predicting heavy rainfall The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a 'yellow warning' for Odisha coast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places such as Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Sundargarh. Maduro appears with defence minister as Guaido calls to continue 'Operation Freedom' Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators. Got a crush on another Facebook user? The social network will help you connect As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-says-attempted-coup-under-way-214775">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators.

"I am calling on the armed forces to continue their march in 'Operation Freedom.' Tomorrow, May 1, we will continue... across all of Venezuela, we will be on the streets," Guaido said in a video message released on social media.

Meanwhile, Maduro appeared in a state television broadcast on Tuesday night together with defence minister Vladimir Padrino, his first public appearance since the opposition called for a military uprising earlier in the day.

Maduro said in the broadcast he had reinstated Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the head of the Sebin intelligence agency, without providing details on the exit of Manuel Cristopher Figuera at the helm of the agency. Cristopher Figuera replaced Gonzalez Lopez at Sebin last year.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-venezuelas-political-crisis-deepens-214883/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Guaido has vowed that protests on Wednesday for the May 1 workers' holiday will be the biggest in Venezuela's history, heightening fears that the crisis will turn violent.&nbsp;

The State Department in a travel alert advised US citizens in Venezuela to take shelter in the coming days if they cannot leave the country.

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-fully-supports-venezuelan-people-as-juan-guaido-calls-for-uprising-against-nicolas-maduro-214849">United States threw its full weight behind Guaido</a>, as the opposition leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

"The US Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated," Pompeo wrote. The US Treasury Department said the US and its allies stood ready "to leverage the tools of the international financial community to help swiftly restart Venezuela's economy."

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators. "I am calling on the armed forces to continue their march in 'Operation Freedom.' Tomorrow, May 1, we will continue... across all of Venezuela, we will be on the streets," Guaido said in a video message released on social media. Meanwhile, Maduro appeared in a state television broadcast on Tuesday night together with defence minister Vladimir Padrino, his first public appearance since the opposition called for a military uprising earlier in the day. Maduro said in the broadcast he had reinstated Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the head of the Sebin intelligence agency, without providing details on the exit of Manuel Cristopher Figuera at the helm of the agency. Cristopher Figuera replaced Gonzalez Lopez at Sebin last year. Guaido has vowed that protests on Wednesday for the May 1 workers' holiday will be the biggest in Venezuela's history, heightening fears that the crisis will turn violent. The State Department in a travel alert advised US citizens in Venezuela to take shelter in the coming days if they cannot leave the country. Meanwhile, the United States threw its full weight behind Guaido, as the opposition leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro. "The US Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated," Pompeo wrote. The US Treasury Department said the US and its allies stood ready "to leverage the tools of the international financial community to help swiftly restart Venezuela's economy." 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Maduro appears with defence minister as Guaido calls to continue 'Operation Freedom'

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido appeared alongside armed, uniformed men on Tuesday in his strongest call yet to the military to abandon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calling-on-armed-forces-to-continue-operation-freedom-venezuelas-guaido-214896">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, a day before planned mass protests aimed at toppling the socialist leader.

In the more than three months since Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, citing fraudulent elections, Maduro has so far kept a grip on the levers of power including the military and security forces.

Guaido says Maduro must step aside for a transitional government to organise new elections.

Maduro has resisted calls for an early vote or that he leave power early before his six-year second term ends in 2025.

Below are some of the factors that could decide who prevails:

THE MILITARY

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-violence-rocks-nation-venezuelans-take-to-the-streets-for-maduro-uprising-214976">Venezuela</a> has a long history of military rebellions and coups, notably the 1958 overthrow of dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez, and the failed attempt by Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez, to take office by force in a 1992 army coup.

&nbsp;After being elected to office, Chavez himself survived a putsch a decade later.

Now Guaido is seeking a widespread army uprising against Maduro, who has overseen a 50 per cent collapse in the economy and shortages of food and medicine that have led more than 3 million Venezuelans to leave the country since he took office in 2013.

Although the young opposition leader was accompanied at a rally in Caracas on Tuesday by several dozen armed troops, it did not immediately apparent that he had won much support from the country's 200,000-strong armed forces, and 25 of the soldiers with him later sought refuge in the Brazilian embassy.

Since declaring himself interim president in January, Guaido has repeatedly made overtures to the military, offering amnesty from prosecutions if they join him, with only marginal success.

Several hundred soldiers have defected and left the country for Brazil or Colombia in recent weeks but not in numbers high enough to threaten Maduro's grip.

One risk is that a military split leads to prolonged violence among different armed factions.

NEGOTIATED TRANSITION

Maduro's offer of negotiations with Guaido, moderated by the Vatican, Mexico or Uruguay, has been rejected by the opposition, which says previous rounds of talks allowed the government to stall for time without making any real concessions.

While some 50 nations, including the United States, have declared support for Guaido, Maduro still has powerful backers, notably Russia and China.

Others allies include Cuba, Iran and Turkey.

US&nbsp;national security advisor John Bolton has called on Russia to drop its support for Maduro, which includes military advisers.

While some believe Moscow could negotiate an exit and safe passage out of Venezuela for the president, there are few signs Putin is willing to give up on the government that gives him most geopolitical clout in the Americas.

The US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CNN on Tuesday that Maduro was prepared to leave Venezuela on Tuesday morning but reversed his plan after Russia said he should stay.

Bolton said on Tuesday the opposition had won commitments from leading members of Maduro's administration that the president had to go, but there was no public sign of high-level splits within the government that could lead to a transition.

US-BACKED MILITARY OPS

Erik Prince - the founder of the private security firm Blackwater and a supporter of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump - has been pushing a plan to deploy a private army to help topple Maduro, sources told Reuters.

Prince's pitch will only add to speculation that the United States, while unlikely to invade Venezuela to bring down Maduro, might resort to irregular military action, such as the kind of intelligence service-backed covert operations used by Washington a number of times in 20th-century Latin America.

A person familiar with the Trump administration's thinking said the White House would not support such a plan.

Although some former Venezuelan security officials opposed to Maduro are now based in Colombia and have claimed involvement in a drone attack on the president last year, there is little evidence that such operations are being prepared at the moment.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido appeared alongside armed, uniformed men on Tuesday in his strongest call yet to the military to abandon President Nicolas Maduro, a day before planned mass protests aimed at toppling the socialist leader.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido appeared alongside armed, uniformed men on Tuesday in his strongest call yet to the military to abandon President Nicolas Maduro, a day before planned mass protests aimed at toppling the socialist leader. In the more than three months since Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, citing fraudulent elections, Maduro has so far kept a grip on the levers of power including the military and security forces. Guaido says Maduro must step aside for a transitional government to organise new elections. Maduro has resisted calls for an early vote or that he leave power early before his six-year second term ends in 2025. Below are some of the factors that could decide who prevails: THE MILITARY Venezuela has a long history of military rebellions and coups, notably the 1958 overthrow of dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez, and the failed attempt by Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez, to take office by force in a 1992 army coup. After being elected to office, Chavez himself survived a putsch a decade later. Now Guaido is seeking a widespread army uprising against Maduro, who has overseen a 50 per cent collapse in the economy and shortages of food and medicine that have led more than 3 million Venezuelans to leave the country since he took office in 2013. Although the young opposition leader was accompanied at a rally in Caracas on Tuesday by several dozen armed troops, it did not immediately apparent that he had won much support from the country's 200,000-strong armed forces, and 25 of the soldiers with him later sought refuge in the Brazilian embassy. Since declaring himself interim president in January, Guaido has repeatedly made overtures to the military, offering amnesty from prosecutions if they join him, with only marginal success. Several hundred soldiers have defected and left the country for Brazil or Colombia in recent weeks but not in numbers high enough to threaten Maduro's grip. One risk is that a military split leads to prolonged violence among different armed factions. NEGOTIATED TRANSITION Maduro's offer of negotiations with Guaido, moderated by the Vatican, Mexico or Uruguay, has been rejected by the opposition, which says previous rounds of talks allowed the government to stall for time without making any real concessions. While some 50 nations, including the United States, have declared support for Guaido, Maduro still has powerful backers, notably Russia and China. Others allies include Cuba, Iran and Turkey. US national security advisor John Bolton has called on Russia to drop its support for Maduro, which includes military advisers. While some believe Moscow could negotiate an exit and safe passage out of Venezuela for the president, there are few signs Putin is willing to give up on the government that gives him most geopolitical clout in the Americas. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CNN on Tuesday that Maduro was prepared to leave Venezuela on Tuesday morning but reversed his plan after Russia said he should stay. Bolton said on Tuesday the opposition had won commitments from leading members of Maduro's administration that the president had to go, but there was no public sign of high-level splits within the government that could lead to a transition. US-BACKED MILITARY OPS Erik Prince - the founder of the private security firm Blackwater and a supporter of US President Donald Trump - has been pushing a plan to deploy a private army to help topple Maduro, sources told Reuters. Prince's pitch will only add to speculation that the United States, while unlikely to invade Venezuela to bring down Maduro, might resort to irregular military action, such as the kind of intelligence service-backed covert operations used by Washington a number of times in 20th-century Latin America. A person familiar with the Trump administration's thinking said the White House would not support such a plan. Although some former Venezuelan security officials opposed to Maduro are now based in Colombia and have claimed involvement in a drone attack on the president last year, there is little evidence that such operations are being prepared at the moment.

Will opposition leader Guaido topple Venezuela's President Maduro?

&nbsp;The US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-wins-confidence-of-shareholders-prepares-for-key-737-max-test-flight-214795&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR_fP-lPrhAhUp6XMBHZHCDpQQFjAIegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3E-kIagrnOTgVkTltke7fT">Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)</a> on Tuesday evening issued an order prohibiting US&nbsp;air operators from flying below 26,000 feet in Venezuela`s airspace until further notice, citing "increasing political instability and tensions".

The FAA notice said any air operators currently in Venezuela, which would include private jets, should depart within 48 hours.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Tuesday made his strongest call yet to the military to help him oust President Nicolas Maduro but there were no concrete signs of defection from the armed forces' leadership.

American Airlines Group Inc in March said it was indefinitely suspending its flights to Venezuela, as the country continued to struggle with political turmoil and unrest.

OPSGROUP, which provides safety guidance to air operators, said options for those choosing to avoid Venezuelan airspace would include routes west via Colombia or east via Guyana.

"The (FAA) order comes on a day of an information battle waged between Maduro and Guaido, and although the coup status is uncertain, one thing is clear: taking your aircraft to Venezuela is not a good idea," OPSGROUP said on its website.

Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 on Tuesday evening showed some flights between South America and Europe were crossing Venezuelan airspace, but at altitudes above 26,000 feet.

Early on Tuesday, several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally in Caracas, and large anti-government protests in the streets turned violent.

Venezuelans were expected to again take to the streets on Wednesday for what Guaido pledged would be the "largest march" in the country`s history.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday evening issued an order prohibiting US air operators from flying below 26,000 feet in Venezuela`s airspace until further notice, citing "increasing political instability and tensions".

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday evening issued an order prohibiting US air operators from flying below 26,000 feet in Venezuela`s airspace until further notice, citing "increasing political instability and tensions". The FAA notice said any air operators currently in Venezuela, which would include private jets, should depart within 48 hours. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Tuesday made his strongest call yet to the military to help him oust President Nicolas Maduro but there were no concrete signs of defection from the armed forces' leadership. American Airlines Group Inc in March said it was indefinitely suspending its flights to Venezuela, as the country continued to struggle with political turmoil and unrest. OPSGROUP, which provides safety guidance to air operators, said options for those choosing to avoid Venezuelan airspace would include routes west via Colombia or east via Guyana. "The (FAA) order comes on a day of an information battle waged between Maduro and Guaido, and although the coup status is uncertain, one thing is clear: taking your aircraft to Venezuela is not a good idea," OPSGROUP said on its website. Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 on Tuesday evening showed some flights between South America and Europe were crossing Venezuelan airspace, but at altitudes above 26,000 feet. Early on Tuesday, several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally in Caracas, and large anti-government protests in the streets turned violent. Venezuelans were expected to again take to the streets on Wednesday for what Guaido pledged would be the "largest march" in the country`s history.

FAA bans low flights over Venezuela's airspace, citing political instability

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump issued his ultimatum to Havana in a message on Twitter as his administration threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido`s strongest call yet for the military to help him oust Maduro during a day of upheaval in the South American country.

Also on Tuesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning, headed for Havana in the face of anti-government protests, but reversed his plan after Russia intervened.

"They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Pompeo said in an interview with CNN.

Several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally outside the La Carlota air base in Caracas early on Tuesday, but the incident fizzled out and did not appear to be part of an immediate attempt by the opposition to take power through military force.

Trump`s threat against Cuba marked an intensification of a US&nbsp;campaign in recent weeks to pressure Cuba over its role in Venezuela, although some experts and former US&nbsp;officials say Trump and his aides have overstated Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan crisis.

"If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump said on Twitter.

"Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!", Trump&nbsp;wrote.

Cuba has stood by its ally Maduro and has denied US&nbsp;accusations that it has military and intelligence operatives, which Washington estimates at 20,000 to 25,000 personnel in Venezuela propping him up.

Trump has rolled back parts of predecessor Barack Obama`s historic rapprochement with Cuba and returned to Cold War-style rhetoric.

But he has not broken off diplomatic relations, which Obama restored in 2015 after decades of enmity.

A six-decade US&nbsp;economic embargo on Cuba has also remained officially intact, even though Obama chipped away at many of the US&nbsp;trade and travel restrictions.

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump issued his ultimatum to Havana in a message on Twitter as his administration threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido`s strongest call yet for the military to help him oust Maduro during a day of upheaval in the South American country. Also on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning, headed for Havana in the face of anti-government protests, but reversed his plan after Russia intervened. "They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Pompeo said in an interview with CNN. Several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally outside the La Carlota air base in Caracas early on Tuesday, but the incident fizzled out and did not appear to be part of an immediate attempt by the opposition to take power through military force. Trump`s threat against Cuba marked an intensification of a US campaign in recent weeks to pressure Cuba over its role in Venezuela, although some experts and former US officials say Trump and his aides have overstated Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan crisis. "If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump said on Twitter. "Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!", Trump wrote. Cuba has stood by its ally Maduro and has denied US accusations that it has military and intelligence operatives, which Washington estimates at 20,000 to 25,000 personnel in Venezuela propping him up. Trump has rolled back parts of predecessor Barack Obama`s historic rapprochement with Cuba and returned to Cold War-style rhetoric. But he has not broken off diplomatic relations, which Obama restored in 2015 after decades of enmity. A six-decade US economic embargo on Cuba has also remained officially intact, even though Obama chipped away at many of the US trade and travel restrictions.

Trump threatens 'full' embargo on Cuba over Venezuela security support

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-violence-rocks-nation-venezuelans-take-to-the-streets-for-maduro-uprising-214976">massive May Day protest</a> to increase the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro after a day of violent clashes on the streets of the capital.

Guaido said Wednesday's rally would be "the biggest in the history of Venezuela" as he presses his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-says-attempted-coup-under-way-214775">attempt to unseat the president</a>.

"Across all of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-venezuelas-political-crisis-deepens-214883">Venezuela</a>, we will be in the streets," said the National Assembly leader, recognised as interim president by more than 50 countries, as he repeated his call for the armed forces to join "Operation Freedom" to overthrow the socialist leader.

Maduro, however, remained defiant after Guaido's call earlier Tuesday for the military to rise up appeared to have largely failed.

Following a day of clashes between demonstrators and police on the streets of Caracas, Maduro Tuesday evening said he had defeated an attempted coup.

Maduro, who is also due to lead a May Day rally in Caracas, declared victory over the uprising -- congratulating the armed forces for having "defeated this small group that intended to spread violence through putschist skirmishes."

"This will not go unpunished," Maduro said in an address broadcast on television and radio.

"(Prosecutors) will launch criminal prosecutions for the serious crimes that have been committed against the constitution, the rule of law and the right to peace."

Tensions in Venezuela have been ratcheted up to a critical level this year, after Guaido announced on January 23 that he was the acting president under the constitution. He said Maduro had been fraudulently re-elected last year.

&nbsp;'No turning back'&nbsp;

Guaido had rallied his supporters with a video message early Tuesday that showed him -- for the first time -- with armed troops who he said had heeded months of urging to join his campaign to oust Maduro.

He claimed the move was the "beginning of the end" of Maduro's regime, and there was "no turning back."

"We showed there are soldiers willing to defend the constitution, and there are many more," Guaido said in the video message.

The 35-year-old opposition leader was filmed outside the La Carlota air base, where he asked the armed forces inside to join him.&nbsp;

Guaido had been immediately backed by the United States, where President Donald Trump said in a tweet Tuesday that Washington was standing behind the Venezuelan people and their "freedom."

Thousands of opposition supporters flocked onto a highway near the air base, many waving Venezuelan flags, but they were met with gunfire and tear-gas fired by soldiers at the compound's perimeter.

Soldiers backing Guaido wore blue armbands to demonstrate their allegiance to the opposition leader but there appeared to be few of them.

Riots also erupted in several other cities across the country, with dozens injured and one death reported, according to human rights groups.

Brazil said a number of Venezuelan troops had sought asylum at its Caracas embassy. Brazilian media put that number at 25.

But Maduro had called on his forces to show "nerves of steel" and troops in riot gear, backed by armoured vehicles and water tankers, lined up against the demonstrators.&nbsp;

Hours after the revolt by military officers appeared to be fizzling out, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CNN he believed Maduro was ready to flee to ally Cuba before he was dissuaded by Russia -- a claim Maduro later refuted as "a joke."

'Another sunrise'&nbsp;

Speaking late Tuesday to business executives in Washington, Pompeo voiced hope that Maduro would still choose exile in the coming days.

"I must say, there will be another sunrise tomorrow. The opportunity for Venezuelan democracy, I am confident, will remain," Pompeo said.

Moscow, Maduro's main backer and creditor alongside China, accused Guaido of "fueling conflict" in the oil-rich country while the Syrian government condemned the "failed coup attempt".

Maduro's leftist Latin American allies Bolivia and Cuba also condemned Guaido.

As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to all sides to avoid violence, Venezuela's army chief and defence minister General Vladimir Padrino issued a stark warning of possible "bloodshed" -- adding that he would hold the opposition responsible.&nbsp;

The US, meanwhile, called on the military to protect the people and support "legitimate institutions" including the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

Trump threatened a "full and complete embargo" and tougher sanctions against Cuba if it does not end military support for Venezuela.

Although Trump has repeatedly said "all options" are on the table regarding Venezuela -- including, implicitly, military action -- there has been no noticeable US military mobilisation.

Instead, Washington has upped the economic pressure, through sanctions aimed at Maduro's regime and by cutting sales of Venezuelan oil -- its main revenue earner

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a massive May Day protest to increase the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro after a day of violent clashes on the streets of the capital.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a massive May Day protest to increase the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro after a day of violent clashes on the streets of the capital. Guaido said Wednesday's rally would be "the biggest in the history of Venezuela" as he presses his attempt to unseat the president. "Across all of Venezuela, we will be in the streets," said the National Assembly leader, recognised as interim president by more than 50 countries, as he repeated his call for the armed forces to join "Operation Freedom" to overthrow the socialist leader. Maduro, however, remained defiant after Guaido's call earlier Tuesday for the military to rise up appeared to have largely failed. Following a day of clashes between demonstrators and police on the streets of Caracas, Maduro Tuesday evening said he had defeated an attempted coup. Maduro, who is also due to lead a May Day rally in Caracas, declared victory over the uprising -- congratulating the armed forces for having "defeated this small group that intended to spread violence through putschist skirmishes." "This will not go unpunished," Maduro said in an address broadcast on television and radio. "(Prosecutors) will launch criminal prosecutions for the serious crimes that have been committed against the constitution, the rule of law and the right to peace." Tensions in Venezuela have been ratcheted up to a critical level this year, after Guaido announced on January 23 that he was the acting president under the constitution. He said Maduro had been fraudulently re-elected last year. 'No turning back' Guaido had rallied his supporters with a video message early Tuesday that showed him -- for the first time -- with armed troops who he said had heeded months of urging to join his campaign to oust Maduro. He claimed the move was the "beginning of the end" of Maduro's regime, and there was "no turning back." "We showed there are soldiers willing to defend the constitution, and there are many more," Guaido said in the video message. The 35-year-old opposition leader was filmed outside the La Carlota air base, where he asked the armed forces inside to join him. Guaido had been immediately backed by the United States, where President Donald Trump said in a tweet Tuesday that Washington was standing behind the Venezuelan people and their "freedom." Thousands of opposition supporters flocked onto a highway near the air base, many waving Venezuelan flags, but they were met with gunfire and tear-gas fired by soldiers at the compound's perimeter. Soldiers backing Guaido wore blue armbands to demonstrate their allegiance to the opposition leader but there appeared to be few of them. Riots also erupted in several other cities across the country, with dozens injured and one death reported, according to human rights groups. Brazil said a number of Venezuelan troops had sought asylum at its Caracas embassy. Brazilian media put that number at 25. But Maduro had called on his forces to show "nerves of steel" and troops in riot gear, backed by armoured vehicles and water tankers, lined up against the demonstrators. Hours after the revolt by military officers appeared to be fizzling out, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CNN he believed Maduro was ready to flee to ally Cuba before he was dissuaded by Russia -- a claim Maduro later refuted as "a joke." 'Another sunrise' Speaking late Tuesday to business executives in Washington, Pompeo voiced hope that Maduro would still choose exile in the coming days. "I must say, there will be another sunrise tomorrow. The opportunity for Venezuelan democracy, I am confident, will remain," Pompeo said. Moscow, Maduro's main backer and creditor alongside China, accused Guaido of "fueling conflict" in the oil-rich country while the Syrian government condemned the "failed coup attempt". Maduro's leftist Latin American allies Bolivia and Cuba also condemned Guaido. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to all sides to avoid violence, Venezuela's army chief and defence minister General Vladimir Padrino issued a stark warning of possible "bloodshed" -- adding that he would hold the opposition responsible. The US, meanwhile, called on the military to protect the people and support "legitimate institutions" including the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Trump threatened a "full and complete embargo" and tougher sanctions against Cuba if it does not end military support for Venezuela. Although Trump has repeatedly said "all options" are on the table regarding Venezuela -- including, implicitly, military action -- there has been no noticeable US military mobilisation. Instead, Washington has upped the economic pressure, through sanctions aimed at Maduro's regime and by cutting sales of Venezuelan oil -- its main revenue earner

Venezuela opposition leader calls for massive May Day protest

By Natalia Garcia Bonet

It appeared to be a confrontation between humanitarianism and military force. In February, the Venezuelan government placed troops along the country’s border with Colombia to block the entry of humanitarian aid coming from the US and supported by the opposition leader, Juan Guaido.

The blockade was widely covered by the news and sparked controversy when the trucks carrying the supplies were accidentally burned during the clashes between the military and those trying to clear their passage.

Similar scenes were repeated on Venezuela’s border with Brazil – albeit with even more tragic consequences. There, the military convoy sent to guard the border was stopped by the local indigenous police in the Pemon community of Kumarakapay – in the Gran Sabana national park, an area considered official indigenous territory. The military opened fire, resulting in at least two casualties. Zoraida Rodriguez – an indigenous woman – was killed in her own home.

The unrest at the border between Venezuela and Brazil, however, received much less media attention than the troubles at the Colombian border – partly because events didn’t fit the western media’s dominant narratives about Venezuela.

These mainly focus on the country’s failing economy, and the threat of a potential US military intervention, based on America’s historic record of involvement in other Latin American nations. In the West, the story is often portrayed as a dispute between the troubled Venezuelan government and US imperialism, assuming the Venezuelan nation is internally homogenous. But this ignores the contentious relationship that many Venezuelans, indigenous people included, have historically had with the government.

A matter of sovereignty

The confrontations between Pemon indigenous people and the military along the Brazilian border, then, should also be understood as an issue of sovereignty over indigenous territories. Indeed, they also stand in sharp contrast to the Venezuelan government’s own rhetoric, which positions the state as a champion of the indigenous cause.

National sovereignty has been a recurrent theme of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, which was proclaimed by former president Hugo Chavez. This movement espouses socialist policies and a resistance to foreign, particularly US, interference. But the history of indigenous resistance to colonial invasion has also been used by both Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro (who took power in 2013), to symbolise this defiance of foreign intervention.

In 1998, Hugo Chavez gained power with the highest electoral margin in 40 years. His victory was partly because he included marginal populations, such as indigenous people, in his Bolivarian nation-building project.

In fact, many indigenous peoples in Venezuela initially saw their incorporation into the Venezuelan nation as part of the Bolivarian Revolution. The 1999 constitution, for example, was the first to provide a host of rights for indigenous groups, including “native rights over the land”.

In the 20 years that have elapsed since then, however, many of the state’s promises regarding indigenous people and their territories remain largely unfulfilled and disaffection among them is growing.

Digging in

Historically, state expansion into indigenous territories in the south of the country has been linked to natural resources, particularly gold and bauxite, which are abundant in the area. Since colonial times, policing and regional control have been used by the state to exert its monopoly over mining resources.

This hasn’t changed much under the Bolivarian governments since 1998. In 2016, for example, the government launched a large-scale and widespread mining project to combat the economic crisis. This project has resulted in the increased militarisation of mining areas in the north of Bolivar and Amazonas states, near indigenous territories.

In the early 2000s, during the early years of Chavez’s revolution, the authorities’ presence in indigenous territories, such as the area of Gran Sabana – where Zoraida Rodriguez was killed during the recent unrest – was cast in a more “benevolent” light. The state still enforced its control through a heavy police presence, but a number of special programmes (misiones) were also set up by the government, which benefited many local people through goods and other forms of aid. The programmes were made possible thanks to high international oil prices, and reached remote areas of the territory which had been overlooked by previous governments.

Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2015, however, state aid has reduced, and now reaches indigenous territories only intermittently, or not at all. The military presence, on the other hand, has increased. The result of this is a breakdown of the relationship between the Venezuelan state and indigenous people, and a return to the longstanding struggle over territory and mining resources.

The February confrontations between the military and indigenous people over the entry of US aid are symptomatic of this increasingly contentious relationship. These tensions have been exacerbated by the internal contradictions of the Bolivarian Revolution, which seemingly acknowledges indigenous people’s autonomy and rights over their lands, while simultaneously exercising control over the territory they occupy in the name of national sovereignty. And with the economy in freefall, things may only get worse.

 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/venezuela-indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-crisis-115724">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Natalia Garcia Bonet It appeared to be a confrontation between humanitarianism and military force. In February, the Venezuelan government placed troops along the country’s border with Colombia to block the entry of humanitarian aid coming from the US and supported by the opposition leader, Juan Guaido.

By Natalia Garcia Bonet It appeared to be a confrontation between humanitarianism and military force. In February, the Venezuelan government placed troops along the country’s border with Colombia to block the entry of humanitarian aid coming from the US and supported by the opposition leader, Juan Guaido. The blockade was widely covered by the news and sparked controversy when the trucks carrying the supplies were accidentally burned during the clashes between the military and those trying to clear their passage. Similar scenes were repeated on Venezuela’s border with Brazil – albeit with even more tragic consequences. There, the military convoy sent to guard the border was stopped by the local indigenous police in the Pemon community of Kumarakapay – in the Gran Sabana national park, an area considered official indigenous territory. The military opened fire, resulting in at least two casualties. Zoraida Rodriguez – an indigenous woman – was killed in her own home. The unrest at the border between Venezuela and Brazil, however, received much less media attention than the troubles at the Colombian border – partly because events didn’t fit the western media’s dominant narratives about Venezuela. These mainly focus on the country’s failing economy, and the threat of a potential US military intervention, based on America’s historic record of involvement in other Latin American nations. In the West, the story is often portrayed as a dispute between the troubled Venezuelan government and US imperialism, assuming the Venezuelan nation is internally homogenous. But this ignores the contentious relationship that many Venezuelans, indigenous people included, have historically had with the government. A matter of sovereignty The confrontations between Pemon indigenous people and the military along the Brazilian border, then, should also be understood as an issue of sovereignty over indigenous territories. Indeed, they also stand in sharp contrast to the Venezuelan government’s own rhetoric, which positions the state as a champion of the indigenous cause. National sovereignty has been a recurrent theme of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, which was proclaimed by former president Hugo Chavez. This movement espouses socialist policies and a resistance to foreign, particularly US, interference. But the history of indigenous resistance to colonial invasion has also been used by both Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro (who took power in 2013), to symbolise this defiance of foreign intervention. In 1998, Hugo Chavez gained power with the highest electoral margin in 40 years. His victory was partly because he included marginal populations, such as indigenous people, in his Bolivarian nation-building project. In fact, many indigenous peoples in Venezuela initially saw their incorporation into the Venezuelan nation as part of the Bolivarian Revolution. The 1999 constitution, for example, was the first to provide a host of rights for indigenous groups, including “native rights over the land”. In the 20 years that have elapsed since then, however, many of the state’s promises regarding indigenous people and their territories remain largely unfulfilled and disaffection among them is growing. Digging in Historically, state expansion into indigenous territories in the south of the country has been linked to natural resources, particularly gold and bauxite, which are abundant in the area. Since colonial times, policing and regional control have been used by the state to exert its monopoly over mining resources. This hasn’t changed much under the Bolivarian governments since 1998. In 2016, for example, the government launched a large-scale and widespread mining project to combat the economic crisis. This project has resulted in the increased militarisation of mining areas in the north of Bolivar and Amazonas states, near indigenous territories. In the early 2000s, during the early years of Chavez’s revolution, the authorities’ presence in indigenous territories, such as the area of Gran Sabana – where Zoraida Rodriguez was killed during the recent unrest – was cast in a more “benevolent” light. The state still enforced its control through a heavy police presence, but a number of special programmes (misiones) were also set up by the government, which benefited many local people through goods and other forms of aid. The programmes were made possible thanks to high international oil prices, and reached remote areas of the territory which had been overlooked by previous governments. Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2015, however, state aid has reduced, and now reaches indigenous territories only intermittently, or not at all. The military presence, on the other hand, has increased. The result of this is a breakdown of the relationship between the Venezuelan state and indigenous people, and a return to the longstanding struggle over territory and mining resources. The February confrontations between the military and indigenous people over the entry of US aid are symptomatic of this increasingly contentious relationship. These tensions have been exacerbated by the internal contradictions of the Bolivarian Revolution, which seemingly acknowledges indigenous people’s autonomy and rights over their lands, while simultaneously exercising control over the territory they occupy in the name of national sovereignty. And with the economy in freefall, things may only get worse. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Indigenous people are forgotten victims of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela

Large crowds gathered in support of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido outside a Caracas air force base on Tuesday. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: Venezuela's political crisis deepens

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-largest-march-in-history-to-oust-maduro-211962">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido </a>announced Tuesday that he had support from a group of "brave soldiers" in a video recorded at an air force base in Caracas and broadcast on social media.

"Today brave soldiers, brave patriots, brave men supporting the Constitution have answered our call," Guaido said in the video recorded with a small group of uniformed men.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-venezuela-relations-in-deep-freeze-214189/amp">US-Venezuela relations in deep freeze</a>

At the same time opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez said he had been "freed" from jail 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.

The Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro quickly denounced an "attempted military coup."

"At this moment we are facing and deactivating a small group of treacherous military personnel" that gathered "to promote a military coup," communications minister Jorge Rodriguez tweeted, referring to the case as an "attempt" by right-wing operatives.

Government officials then called for supporters to rally at the presidential palace in Caracas.

In Madrid, the government warned against a "bloodbath."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido announced Tuesday that he had support from a group of "brave soldiers" in a video recorded at an air force base in Caracas and broadcast on social media.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido announced Tuesday that he had support from a group of "brave soldiers" in a video recorded at an air force base in Caracas and broadcast on social media. "Today brave soldiers, brave patriots, brave men supporting the Constitution have answered our call," Guaido said in the video recorded with a small group of uniformed men. Also read: US-Venezuela relations in deep freeze At the same time opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez said he had been "freed" from jail 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. The Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro quickly denounced an "attempted military coup." "At this moment we are facing and deactivating a small group of treacherous military personnel" that gathered "to promote a military coup," communications minister Jorge Rodriguez tweeted, referring to the case as an "attempt" by right-wing operatives. Government officials then called for supporters to rally at the presidential palace in Caracas. In Madrid, the government warned against a "bloodbath."

Venezuela's Guaido claims support of soldiers from a Caracas base

US sanctions came into effect Sunday to block Venezuela's economic lifeline of oil exports, in what Washington hopes will be a major blow in its fledgeling campaign to topple leftist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-in-peru-to-maintain-regional-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-210223">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

As of 12:01 am Washington time, the United States will take action against anyone who deals with state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela, or PDVSA, or any entity in which the company holds at least a 50 per cent stake.

It is among a volley of steps by President Donald Trump's administration to oust Maduro and install opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries, including most in Latin America.

Just Friday, the Trump administration said it would block any US assets of Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, confirming it has no desire to negotiate with Maduro, a socialist firebrand who presides over a crumbling economy but has withstood three months of intense pressure.

Until the crisis, Venezuela exported 500,00 barrels a day to the United States, its largest customer, with PDVSA omnipresent, if not highly visible, through ownership of the Citgo refining and gas station chain.

The United States has already moved to put Citgo under the control of Guaido, who appointed his own board.

Even though sanctions legally came into force Sunday, "the reality is that the oil trade between the United States and Venezuela has been absolutely limited and fallen sharply," said Mariano de Alba, a Washington-based international law expert from Venezuela.

But the sanctions will still have an effect, with Washington vowing to enforce them against any foreign company with interactions in the United States -- including the US financial system, which dominates the globe.

As of Sunday, "there is no doubt that the sanctions are in force and that any company assumes bigger risks than they did before this date," de Alba said.

Searching for customers

Energy-hungry India was the third-biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil in 2017 after the United States and China and until recently had been a major source of cash.

But Indian companies have backed off in the face of US sanctions, making China and Russia the crucial economic and political backers of Maduro -- whose re-election last year was widely criticized for irregularities.

The sanctions take effect just as global oil markets are trending higher after the United States similarly demanded that all countries, notably India and China, stop buying oil from Iran.

Oil is the blood of Venezuela's crippled economy, accounting for 96 per cent of exports.

The country nonetheless is facing a major economic crisis, with projections that inflation could soar to a mind-boggling 10 million per cent this year.

Some 2.7 million Venezuelans have fled since 2015 faced with a shortage of basic goods and medicine, according to UN figures.

One immediate problem for Venezuela is not its exports but its imports. It used to rely on 120,000 barrels of light crude each day from the United States to blend with its heavier oil. It will need to turn to other suppliers to sell its own crude, increasing production costs.

US-based consultancy Rapidan Energy Group says PDVSA's production could temporarily fall by 200,000 barrels a day.

It would be a stunning further reduction for PDVSA which pumped 3.2 million a day in 2008, a figure that had nosedived to just 840,000 in March.

&nbsp;Blaming Maduro

The United States has wasted no opportunity to blame Maduro and his late predecessor Hugo Chavez for Venezuela's economic woes -- with Trump also trying to link their socialism to his Democratic foes at home.

Elliott Abrams, the US envoy leading the effort to oust Maduro, promised that "tens of billions of dollars" will flow into Venezuela to rebuild its economy.

"That recovery can only start when there is a fully inclusive government that represents all Venezuelans," Abrams said Thursday.

But a study by two prominent left-leaning US economists, Mark Weisbrot and Jeffrey Sachs, warned that the growing sanctions will "vastly" harm ordinary Venezuelans.

The study, released by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, found that Venezuela recorded more than 40,000 additional deaths between 2017 and 2018 as they blamed sanctions for shortages of food and medicine.

"American sanctions are deliberately aiming to wreck Venezuela's economy and thereby lead to regime change," Sachs said.

"It's a fruitless, heartless, illegal and failed policy, causing grave harm to the Venezuelan people."

US sanctions came into effect Sunday to block Venezuela's economic lifeline of oil exports, in what Washington hopes will be a major blow in its fledgeling campaign to topple leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

US sanctions came into effect Sunday to block Venezuela's economic lifeline of oil exports, in what Washington hopes will be a major blow in its fledgeling campaign to topple leftist President Nicolas Maduro. As of 12:01 am Washington time, the United States will take action against anyone who deals with state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela, or PDVSA, or any entity in which the company holds at least a 50 per cent stake. It is among a volley of steps by President Donald Trump's administration to oust Maduro and install opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries, including most in Latin America. Just Friday, the Trump administration said it would block any US assets of Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, confirming it has no desire to negotiate with Maduro, a socialist firebrand who presides over a crumbling economy but has withstood three months of intense pressure. Until the crisis, Venezuela exported 500,00 barrels a day to the United States, its largest customer, with PDVSA omnipresent, if not highly visible, through ownership of the Citgo refining and gas station chain. The United States has already moved to put Citgo under the control of Guaido, who appointed his own board. Even though sanctions legally came into force Sunday, "the reality is that the oil trade between the United States and Venezuela has been absolutely limited and fallen sharply," said Mariano de Alba, a Washington-based international law expert from Venezuela. But the sanctions will still have an effect, with Washington vowing to enforce them against any foreign company with interactions in the United States -- including the US financial system, which dominates the globe. As of Sunday, "there is no doubt that the sanctions are in force and that any company assumes bigger risks than they did before this date," de Alba said. Searching for customers Energy-hungry India was the third-biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil in 2017 after the United States and China and until recently had been a major source of cash. But Indian companies have backed off in the face of US sanctions, making China and Russia the crucial economic and political backers of Maduro -- whose re-election last year was widely criticized for irregularities. The sanctions take effect just as global oil markets are trending higher after the United States similarly demanded that all countries, notably India and China, stop buying oil from Iran. Oil is the blood of Venezuela's crippled economy, accounting for 96 per cent of exports. The country nonetheless is facing a major economic crisis, with projections that inflation could soar to a mind-boggling 10 million per cent this year. Some 2.7 million Venezuelans have fled since 2015 faced with a shortage of basic goods and medicine, according to UN figures. One immediate problem for Venezuela is not its exports but its imports. It used to rely on 120,000 barrels of light crude each day from the United States to blend with its heavier oil. It will need to turn to other suppliers to sell its own crude, increasing production costs. US-based consultancy Rapidan Energy Group says PDVSA's production could temporarily fall by 200,000 barrels a day. It would be a stunning further reduction for PDVSA which pumped 3.2 million a day in 2008, a figure that had nosedived to just 840,000 in March. Blaming Maduro The United States has wasted no opportunity to blame Maduro and his late predecessor Hugo Chavez for Venezuela's economic woes -- with Trump also trying to link their socialism to his Democratic foes at home. Elliott Abrams, the US envoy leading the effort to oust Maduro, promised that "tens of billions of dollars" will flow into Venezuela to rebuild its economy. "That recovery can only start when there is a fully inclusive government that represents all Venezuelans," Abrams said Thursday. But a study by two prominent left-leaning US economists, Mark Weisbrot and Jeffrey Sachs, warned that the growing sanctions will "vastly" harm ordinary Venezuelans. The study, released by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, found that Venezuela recorded more than 40,000 additional deaths between 2017 and 2018 as they blamed sanctions for shortages of food and medicine. "American sanctions are deliberately aiming to wreck Venezuela's economy and thereby lead to regime change," Sachs said. "It's a fruitless, heartless, illegal and failed policy, causing grave harm to the Venezuelan people."

US oil sanctions take effect on Venezuela as crisis intensifies

Russia has asked The United States to halt its politics of blackmail amid new sanctions. Watch full video to know more.

Russia asks US to stop blackmail after new sanctions

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Venezuelan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-regime-has-run-out-of-rhetoric-as-red-cross-aid-arrives-in-venezuela-211051">foreign minister Jorge Arreaza</a> in an attempt to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

The United States "will continue to target corrupt Maduro insiders, including those tasked with conducting diplomacy and carrying out justice on behalf of this illegitimate regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"Treasury will continue to target corrupt Maduro insiders, including those tasked with conducting diplomacy and carrying out justice on behalf of this illegitimate regime," Mnuchin added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-committed-to-restoring-democracy-in-venezuela-mike-pompeo-210605">US Treasury had earlier slapped</a> sanctions on the country's mining company CVG Compania General de Mineria de Venezuela CA, or Minerven, and its president Adrian Antonio Perdomo Mata.

The United States and more than 50 other countries recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as the country's rightful president.

The Trump administration had also sanctioned Venezuela's state oil company, its biggest source of income with the Treasury adding that Maduro had turned to gold mining as a crucial source of hard cash.

As the US and Brazil tried to push aid into the country last month, it was stopped by the Maduro government, as a result the US imposed sanctions on six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country's opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

The US had also imposed sanctions on four Venezuelan states aligned with embattled President Nicolas Maduro for standing in the way of humanitarian aid shipments.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Venezuelan foreign minister Jorge Arreaza in an attempt to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's regime. The United States "will continue to target corrupt Maduro insiders, including those tasked with conducting diplomacy and carrying out justice on behalf of this illegitimate regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Venezuelan foreign minister Jorge Arreaza in an attempt to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's regime. The United States "will continue to target corrupt Maduro insiders, including those tasked with conducting diplomacy and carrying out justice on behalf of this illegitimate regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "Treasury will continue to target corrupt Maduro insiders, including those tasked with conducting diplomacy and carrying out justice on behalf of this illegitimate regime," Mnuchin added. The US Treasury had earlier slapped sanctions on the country's mining company CVG Compania General de Mineria de Venezuela CA, or Minerven, and its president Adrian Antonio Perdomo Mata. The United States and more than 50 other countries recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as the country's rightful president. The Trump administration had also sanctioned Venezuela's state oil company, its biggest source of income with the Treasury adding that Maduro had turned to gold mining as a crucial source of hard cash. As the US and Brazil tried to push aid into the country last month, it was stopped by the Maduro government, as a result the US imposed sanctions on six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country's opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro. The US had also imposed sanctions on four Venezuelan states aligned with embattled President Nicolas Maduro for standing in the way of humanitarian aid shipments.

US imposes sanctions on Venezuela's foreign minister Jorge Arreaza

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-largest-march-in-history-to-oust-maduro-211962">Venezuela's government</a> announced on Monday two marches to counter the ones opposition leader Juan Guaido has planned.

The street demonstrations in favour of President Nicolas Maduro will take place on Saturday, and May 1, Labor Day.

Saturday's event will also mark Venezuela's official exit from the Organization of American States, two years after Maduro made the decision to leave the bloc, accusing it of being part of a US campaign to "intervene" in Venezuela.

"We want to summon our members to two great demonstrations," said Hector Rodriguez, a leader of Maduro's United Socialist Party in Venezuela (PSUV).

"We summon the whole chavista population to mobilize and celebrate the definitive exit from this area of US domination and subordination," he added, referring to supporters of the late president and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez.

The government's announcement comes three days after Guaido revealed his plans for events on those two dates, including what he said would be "the biggest demonstration in this country's history" on May 1 to demand the end of Maduro's "usurpation."

Guaido, 35, and the National Assembly have branded Maduro a "usurper" over his controversial re-election last year in polls widely viewed as rigged.

The National Assembly head launched a challenge to Maduro's authority in January, declaring himself acting president, quickly receiving the backing of more than 50 countries including the United States.

The government's announcement is in line with its recent policy of calling a counter-demonstration every time Guaido plans a protest of his own.

Venezuela's government announced on Monday two marches to counter the ones opposition leader Juan Guaido has planned. The street demonstrations in favour of President Nicolas Maduro will take place on Saturday, and May 1, Labor Day.

Venezuela's government announced on Monday two marches to counter the ones opposition leader Juan Guaido has planned. The street demonstrations in favour of President Nicolas Maduro will take place on Saturday, and May 1, Labor Day. Saturday's event will also mark Venezuela's official exit from the Organization of American States, two years after Maduro made the decision to leave the bloc, accusing it of being part of a US campaign to "intervene" in Venezuela. "We want to summon our members to two great demonstrations," said Hector Rodriguez, a leader of Maduro's United Socialist Party in Venezuela (PSUV). "We summon the whole chavista population to mobilize and celebrate the definitive exit from this area of US domination and subordination," he added, referring to supporters of the late president and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez. The government's announcement comes three days after Guaido revealed his plans for events on those two dates, including what he said would be "the biggest demonstration in this country's history" on May 1 to demand the end of Maduro's "usurpation." Guaido, 35, and the National Assembly have branded Maduro a "usurper" over his controversial re-election last year in polls widely viewed as rigged. The National Assembly head launched a challenge to Maduro's authority in January, declaring himself acting president, quickly receiving the backing of more than 50 countries including the United States. The government's announcement is in line with its recent policy of calling a counter-demonstration every time Guaido plans a protest of his own.

Venezuela government calls two new counter protests

Venezuelan opposition leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-nicolas-maduro-rallies-set-as-venezuela-struggles-with-blackout-202146&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiLzNeI6t3hAhUMinAKHUJ2AJEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw16PYQz61BliBWay1xIaTVu">Juan Guaido</a> on Friday called on supporters to take to the streets on May 1 for what he called "the largest march in the history" of the South American country to keep the pressure on President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-tells-nicolas-maduro-pressure-just-beginning-calls-for-civic-strike-201425&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiLzNeI6t3hAhUMinAKHUJ2AJEQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ak9mHVKs2pflzw8xVlWEP">Nicolas Maduro</a> to leave power.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly who in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on the basis that Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate, reiterated his call for the country's armed forces to take his side in the three-month power struggle.

"They will need to listen to the people saying: enough," Guaido told a crowd gathered at a plaza in eastern Caracas, setting the date for the march for May 1, International Workers' Day.

"We call on all the people to join in the largest march in the history of Venezuela to demand the end to the usurpation so this tragedy can end."

Guaido has been recognized by the United States and most Western nations as the South American country's rightful leader. The oil-rich country is in the sixth year of recession, marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods that have prompted more than three million to emigrate.

Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup and blames the country's economic woes on a US-led "economic war." His ruling socialist party has frequently responded to Guaido's calls for protests over the past few months with simultaneous marches of their own.

Guaido did not specify the final destination of the May 1 demonstration. But some in attendance on Friday called out suggestions that they march on the Miraflores presidential palace.

"He is not alone," said Aleida Vargas, a 58-year-old retired teacher who attended the opposition rally on Friday. "Each day we are moving forward, and there is no turning back. It might not happen tomorrow, but it will be soon."

Despite Guaido's offers of amnesty to members of the military who facilitate a transition, Maduro remains in control of the armed forces and the day-to-day functions of government.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Friday called on supporters to take to the streets on May 1 for what he called "the largest march in the history" of the South American country to keep the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to leave power.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Friday called on supporters to take to the streets on May 1 for what he called "the largest march in the history" of the South American country to keep the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to leave power. Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly who in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on the basis that Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate, reiterated his call for the country's armed forces to take his side in the three-month power struggle. "They will need to listen to the people saying: enough," Guaido told a crowd gathered at a plaza in eastern Caracas, setting the date for the march for May 1, International Workers' Day. "We call on all the people to join in the largest march in the history of Venezuela to demand the end to the usurpation so this tragedy can end." Guaido has been recognized by the United States and most Western nations as the South American country's rightful leader. The oil-rich country is in the sixth year of recession, marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods that have prompted more than three million to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup and blames the country's economic woes on a US-led "economic war." His ruling socialist party has frequently responded to Guaido's calls for protests over the past few months with simultaneous marches of their own. Guaido did not specify the final destination of the May 1 demonstration. But some in attendance on Friday called out suggestions that they march on the Miraflores presidential palace. "He is not alone," said Aleida Vargas, a 58-year-old retired teacher who attended the opposition rally on Friday. "Each day we are moving forward, and there is no turning back. It might not happen tomorrow, but it will be soon." Despite Guaido's offers of amnesty to members of the military who facilitate a transition, Maduro remains in control of the armed forces and the day-to-day functions of government.

Venezuela's opposition leader Guaido calls for 'largest march in history' to oust Maduro

Surrounded by vultures perched on trees awaiting their turn, Venezuelan migrants scrape out a living scavenging for metal, plastic, cardboard and food in a Brazilian border town's rubbish dump.

Trapped in a wasteland limbo, they barely make enough to feed their families and cannot afford a bus ticket to get away and find regular work in Brazilian cities to the south.

They blame leftist President Nicolas Maduro for mismanaging their oil-producing nation's economy and causing the deep crisis that has driven several million Venezuelans to emigrate across Latin America.

"I left because I was dying of hunger. We are trying to get ahead looking through this rubbish. Every night I pray to God to take me out of here," said Rosemary Tovar, a 23-year-old mother from Caracas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-regime-has-run-out-of-rhetoric-as-red-cross-aid-arrives-in-venezuela-211051">Guaido says 'regime has run out of rhetoric' as Red Cross aid arrives in Venezuela</a>

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have fled the political and economic upheaval in their country through Pacaraima, the only road crossing to Brazil, overloading social services and causing tension in the northern border state of Roraima. More than 40,000 Venezuelans have swollen the population of state capital Boa Vista by 11 per cent, Mayor Tereza Surita told Reuters.

The influx has also been a headache for Brazil's new, far-right government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has so far resisted US pressure to take a more forceful attitude against Maduro. About 3.7 million people have left Venezuela in recent years, mostly via its western neighbour Colombia, according to the World Bank.

A dozen Venezuelans scramble to grab bags of rubbish that tumble from the Pacaraima trash truck twice a day. They then sift through the piles as fetid plumes of smoke rise from the smouldering landfill. Sometimes they scavenge at night using headlamps.

"We are looking for copper and cans, and hopefully something valuable, even food," said Astrid Prado, who is eight months pregnant. "My goal is to get out of here. Nobody wants to spend their life going through garbage."

Charly Sanchez, 42, arrived in Brazil a year ago and has not been able to get to Boa Vista to get his work papers so that he can find employment.

"We live off this. We make enough to buy rice, maybe some sausage, but not enough to buy a ticket to Boa Vista," he said.

Copper pays best, 13 reais ($3.30) a kilo, but it takes Sanchez a whole week to gather that much "wire by wire."

On a lucky day he said he had found a discarded cellphone, but not today. Some spaghetti, a small jar of sugar and a bit of cooking oil was Sanchez's pickings for the day.

Samuel Esteban, using a breathing mask for the smoke, stuffed cardboard into a large sack. For 50 kilos he will earn five reais, one third of the minimum monthly wage in Venezuela but just enough to buy a litre of milk in Brazil and some bread.

Tovar criticized Maduro for denying that Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis.

"He is so wrong. Look at us here in this dump," she said. "If Maduro does not leave Venezuela, I will never return there."

Surrounded by vultures perched on trees awaiting their turn, Venezuelan migrants scrape out a living scavenging for metal, plastic, cardboard and food in a Brazilian border town's rubbish dump.

Surrounded by vultures perched on trees awaiting their turn, Venezuelan migrants scrape out a living scavenging for metal, plastic, cardboard and food in a Brazilian border town's rubbish dump. Trapped in a wasteland limbo, they barely make enough to feed their families and cannot afford a bus ticket to get away and find regular work in Brazilian cities to the south. They blame leftist President Nicolas Maduro for mismanaging their oil-producing nation's economy and causing the deep crisis that has driven several million Venezuelans to emigrate across Latin America. "I left because I was dying of hunger. We are trying to get ahead looking through this rubbish. Every night I pray to God to take me out of here," said Rosemary Tovar, a 23-year-old mother from Caracas. Guaido says 'regime has run out of rhetoric' as Red Cross aid arrives in Venezuela Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have fled the political and economic upheaval in their country through Pacaraima, the only road crossing to Brazil, overloading social services and causing tension in the northern border state of Roraima. More than 40,000 Venezuelans have swollen the population of state capital Boa Vista by 11 per cent, Mayor Tereza Surita told Reuters. The influx has also been a headache for Brazil's new, far-right government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has so far resisted US pressure to take a more forceful attitude against Maduro. About 3.7 million people have left Venezuela in recent years, mostly via its western neighbour Colombia, according to the World Bank. A dozen Venezuelans scramble to grab bags of rubbish that tumble from the Pacaraima trash truck twice a day. They then sift through the piles as fetid plumes of smoke rise from the smouldering landfill. Sometimes they scavenge at night using headlamps. "We are looking for copper and cans, and hopefully something valuable, even food," said Astrid Prado, who is eight months pregnant. "My goal is to get out of here. Nobody wants to spend their life going through garbage." Charly Sanchez, 42, arrived in Brazil a year ago and has not been able to get to Boa Vista to get his work papers so that he can find employment. "We live off this. We make enough to buy rice, maybe some sausage, but not enough to buy a ticket to Boa Vista," he said. Copper pays best, 13 reais ($3.30) a kilo, but it takes Sanchez a whole week to gather that much "wire by wire." On a lucky day he said he had found a discarded cellphone, but not today. Some spaghetti, a small jar of sugar and a bit of cooking oil was Sanchez's pickings for the day. Samuel Esteban, using a breathing mask for the smoke, stuffed cardboard into a large sack. For 50 kilos he will earn five reais, one third of the minimum monthly wage in Venezuela but just enough to buy a litre of milk in Brazil and some bread. Tovar criticized Maduro for denying that Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis. "He is so wrong. Look at us here in this dump," she said. "If Maduro does not leave Venezuela, I will never return there."

Venezuelan scavengers vie with vultures for Brazilian trash

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