The opening is the latest example of strong ties between the Islamic Republic and the South American country in the face of US sanctions.

Venezuela gets a new supermarket with high-tech COVID defenses

The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for any information that can be used to arrest Venezuela's Supreme Court chief justice, triggering sharp reactions from the Latin American nation.

US Secretary of the State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said Supreme Court president Maikal Jose Moreno Perez "personally received money or property bribes to influence the outcome of civil and criminal cases in Venezuela" in recent years.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-carries-out-second-freedom-of-navigation-operation-off-venezuela-coast-313554">US Navy carries out second 'freedom of navigation' operation off Venezuela coast</a>

"Moreno Perez received the bribes in exchange for judicial actions" in over 20 cases, Pompeo said, adding the move reaffirms "the US commitment to combating corruption and transnational organized crime in Venezuela."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-migrants-seek-to-return-home-maduro-claims-theyre-being-deliberately-infected-with-coronavirus-313223">Venezuela: Migrants seek to return home, Maduro claims they're being deliberately infected with coronavirus</a>

After the annoucement, Venezuela hit out at the US, saying Washington "disrespects the Supreme Court of Justice, in the person of its president, Maikel Moreno, through false accusations and the offer of rewards in the style of the cowboys and the wild and far west."&nbsp;

Venezuela "rejects once again the illegal and coercive actions of the Donald Trump government against the Venezuelan people and its constitutional institutions," the statement by the foreign ministry said.

Perez has been on the US Treasury's sanctions blacklist since May 2017 and was included on Tuesday in the State Department's separate list along with his wife for "involvement in significant corruption".

Venezuela's Supreme Court has been considered close President Nicolas Maduro's government and in 2017 neutralized the nation's only opposition-controlled branch of government, the National Assembly.&nbsp;

Main opposition leader Juan Guaido, declared himself as the president of the country 18 months ago, a decision backed by the United States and over 50 countries.&nbsp;

The US has imposed a number of sanctions to oust Maduro as it along with a group of nations considers his re-election in 2018 fraudulent.&nbsp;

The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for any information that can be used to arrest Venezuela's Supreme Court chief justice, triggering sharp reactions from the Latin American nation.

The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for any information that can be used to arrest Venezuela's Supreme Court chief justice, triggering sharp reactions from the Latin American nation. US Secretary of the State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said Supreme Court president Maikal Jose Moreno Perez "personally received money or property bribes to influence the outcome of civil and criminal cases in Venezuela" in recent years. Also read | US Navy carries out second 'freedom of navigation' operation off Venezuela coast "Moreno Perez received the bribes in exchange for judicial actions" in over 20 cases, Pompeo said, adding the move reaffirms "the US commitment to combating corruption and transnational organized crime in Venezuela." Also read | Venezuela: Migrants seek to return home, Maduro claims they're being deliberately infected with coronavirus After the annoucement, Venezuela hit out at the US, saying Washington "disrespects the Supreme Court of Justice, in the person of its president, Maikel Moreno, through false accusations and the offer of rewards in the style of the cowboys and the wild and far west." Venezuela "rejects once again the illegal and coercive actions of the Donald Trump government against the Venezuelan people and its constitutional institutions," the statement by the foreign ministry said. Perez has been on the US Treasury's sanctions blacklist since May 2017 and was included on Tuesday in the State Department's separate list along with his wife for "involvement in significant corruption". Venezuela's Supreme Court has been considered close President Nicolas Maduro's government and in 2017 neutralized the nation's only opposition-controlled branch of government, the National Assembly. Main opposition leader Juan Guaido, declared himself as the president of the country 18 months ago, a decision backed by the United States and over 50 countries. The US has imposed a number of sanctions to oust Maduro as it along with a group of nations considers his re-election in 2018 fraudulent.

US offers $5 million reward for arrest of Venezuelan chief justice

The US Navy challenged what it called Caracas' "excessive maritime claim in international waters" by deploying a warship off the coast of Venezuela.

It was the second time in three weeks that the US Navy has carried out such a "freedom of navigation" operation, a move that Venezuela previously called a "provocation."

"Today, the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) challenged Venezuela's excessive maritime claim in international waters during a successful freedom of navigation operation in the Caribbean Sea," US Southern Command said in a statement, on Wednesday.

The US Navy said the warship was operating in international waters, more than 12 miles off the coast, in compliance with international law.

"The illegitimate Maduro regime improperly claims excessive controls over those international waters, which extend three miles beyond the 12-mile territorial sea, a claim that is inconsistent with international law," US Southern Command said.

The USS Pinckney, together with other Navy and Coast Guard vessels, were in the Caribbean conducting counter-narcotics operations, it said.

The Navy carried out a similar exercise on June 23, deploying the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze off the Venezuelan coast.

Washington does not recognize President Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader, backing instead National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido, as do dozens of other countries.

The US Navy challenged what it called Caracas' "excessive maritime claim in international waters" by deploying a warship off the coast of Venezuela. It was the second time in three weeks that the US Navy has carried out such a "freedom of navigation" operation, a move that Venezuela previously called a "provocation.

The US Navy challenged what it called Caracas' "excessive maritime claim in international waters" by deploying a warship off the coast of Venezuela. It was the second time in three weeks that the US Navy has carried out such a "freedom of navigation" operation, a move that Venezuela previously called a "provocation." "Today, the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) challenged Venezuela's excessive maritime claim in international waters during a successful freedom of navigation operation in the Caribbean Sea," US Southern Command said in a statement, on Wednesday. The US Navy said the warship was operating in international waters, more than 12 miles off the coast, in compliance with international law. "The illegitimate Maduro regime improperly claims excessive controls over those international waters, which extend three miles beyond the 12-mile territorial sea, a claim that is inconsistent with international law," US Southern Command said. The USS Pinckney, together with other Navy and Coast Guard vessels, were in the Caribbean conducting counter-narcotics operations, it said. The Navy carried out a similar exercise on June 23, deploying the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze off the Venezuelan coast. Washington does not recognize President Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader, backing instead National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido, as do dozens of other countries.

US Navy carries out second 'freedom of navigation' operation off Venezuela coast

Venezuelans who left their country following an economic collapse over four years ago are now being forced to return in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to data from the UN Refugee Agency, over five million Venezuelans had fled their country since 2016. Owing to the economic collapse, poverty was on the rise, and no infrastructure In place to keep health and social services running.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched, and its fallout in already struggling countries will be felt way more than others.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/fineprint-venezuelan-migrants-left-homeless-covid-19-pandemic-298933/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Deliberately infected?

However, returning migrants may not be accepted back into their country. On June 11, the embattled President Nicolas Maduro claimed that many migrants were being purposely infected with COVID-19 and sent from other countries to wreak havoc in Venezuela.

As of now, only 1,000 migrants can reenter the country every week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/britain-recognises-guaido-as-venezuela-president-not-maduro-uk-high-court-310199" hreflang="en">Britain recognises Guaido as Venezuela president, not Maduro: UK High Court</a>

Government data suggests that between March and June, over 56,000 migrants had crossed back into the country. However, Colombian authorities claim that 60,000 have ventured back through Cucuta alone since March. Over three million Venezuelans had earlier marched through this border leaving their country behind in search for better employment opportunities.

South America in ruins!

Venezuela is no longer the only South American country to be in economic shackles.

According to the International Labour Organization, Peru has witnessed a dip of 80 per cent in the average working hours, implying employment has also fallen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-says-would-consider-meeting-venezuelas-maduro-report-307617" hreflang="en">Trump says would consider meeting Venezuela's Maduro: Report</a>

Additionally, the UN World Food Programme claims that ever since the pandemic began, all of South America has witnessed a three-fold increase in the demand for food assistance.

Venezuela’s ninety six per cent population currently lives under poverty, making it not the ideal location for one to hole up in during a pandemic.

Venezuelans who left their country following an economic collapse over four years ago are now being forced to return in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Venezuelans who left their country following an economic collapse over four years ago are now being forced to return in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to data from the UN Refugee Agency, over five million Venezuelans had fled their country since 2016. Owing to the economic collapse, poverty was on the rise, and no infrastructure In place to keep health and social services running. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched, and its fallout in already struggling countries will be felt way more than others. Deliberately infected? However, returning migrants may not be accepted back into their country. On June 11, the embattled President Nicolas Maduro claimed that many migrants were being purposely infected with COVID-19 and sent from other countries to wreak havoc in Venezuela. As of now, only 1,000 migrants can reenter the country every week. Also read: Britain recognises Guaido as Venezuela president, not Maduro: UK High Court Government data suggests that between March and June, over 56,000 migrants had crossed back into the country. However, Colombian authorities claim that 60,000 have ventured back through Cucuta alone since March. Over three million Venezuelans had earlier marched through this border leaving their country behind in search for better employment opportunities. South America in ruins! Venezuela is no longer the only South American country to be in economic shackles. According to the International Labour Organization, Peru has witnessed a dip of 80 per cent in the average working hours, implying employment has also fallen. Also read: Trump says would consider meeting Venezuela's Maduro: Report Additionally, the UN World Food Programme claims that ever since the pandemic began, all of South America has witnessed a three-fold increase in the demand for food assistance. Venezuela’s ninety six per cent population currently lives under poverty, making it not the ideal location for one to hole up in during a pandemic.

Venezuela: Migrants seek to return home, Maduro claims they're being deliberately infected with coronavirus

Britain has recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's president, the English High Court ruled on Thursday, in a case over whether Guaido or Nicolas Maduro should control $1 billion of its gold stored in London.

UK court recognises Juan Guaido as Venezuela president

The UK High Court has ruled that the country recognises&nbsp; Juan Guaido as&nbsp;Venezuela's President, instead of&nbsp;Nicolas Maduro.

The ruling was made in the case of&nbsp;who controls Venezuela's&nbsp;gold reserves stored in London.&nbsp;High court judge Nigel Teare handed down the judgement on Thursday.

The judgement states that British government had formally recognised Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-president-maduro-gives-eu-ambassador-72-hours-to-leave-country-309565">Also read:&nbsp;Venezuela President Maduro gives EU ambassador 72 hours to leave country</a>

It has also been added that considering the ‘One Voice’ and ‘Act of State’ doctrines, the British High Court is precluded from investigating the validity of Guaido's acts.

Guaido, the opposition leader, back in 2019 had used his position of&nbsp;head of Parliament to challenge Maduro's authority by declaring himself acting president after the National Assembly deemed the socialist leader a usurper over his controversial re-election in 2018 in a poll widely branded fraudulent.

Since then, he is recognised as Venezuela's interim president by more than 50 nations, including the UK, the United States and much of the European Union.

This decision came few days after&nbsp;Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro issued a notice to the&nbsp;European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials.

The UK High Court has ruled that the country recognises Juan Guaido as Venezuela's President, instead of Nicolas Maduro. The ruling was made in the case of who controls Venezuela's gold reserves stored in London.

The UK High Court has ruled that the country recognises Juan Guaido as Venezuela's President, instead of Nicolas Maduro. The ruling was made in the case of who controls Venezuela's gold reserves stored in London. High court judge Nigel Teare handed down the judgement on Thursday. The judgement states that British government had formally recognised Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela. Also read: Venezuela President Maduro gives EU ambassador 72 hours to leave country It has also been added that considering the ‘One Voice’ and ‘Act of State’ doctrines, the British High Court is precluded from investigating the validity of Guaido's acts. Guaido, the opposition leader, back in 2019 had used his position of head of Parliament to challenge Maduro's authority by declaring himself acting president after the National Assembly deemed the socialist leader a usurper over his controversial re-election in 2018 in a poll widely branded fraudulent. Since then, he is recognised as Venezuela's interim president by more than 50 nations, including the UK, the United States and much of the European Union. This decision came few days after Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro issued a notice to the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials.

Britain recognises Guaido as Venezuela president, not Maduro: UK High Court

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (June 29) gave the head of the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials.

"Who are they to try to impose themselves with threats?" said Maduro.

"We will sort it out in 72 hours... she will be given a plane to leave, but we will arrange our things with the European Union." Venezuela's airspace is currently closed to commercial airplanes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-five-iranian-ship-captains-over-venezuela-oil-delivery-308479">US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery</a>

Relations have been tense since 2017 when Venezuela became the first Latin American country to receive sanctions from the EU, including an arms embargo.

Among the officials sanctioned on Monday was opposition legislator Luis Parra, who backed by Maduro is contesting the leadership of the opposition controlled National Assembly with its president Juan Guaido.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-calls-us-warship-presence-a-provocation-308601">Venezuela calls US warship presence 'a provocation'</a>

Guaido used his position as head of Parliament to challenge Maduro's authority in January 2019 by declaring himself acting president after the National Assembly deemed the socialist leader a usurper over his controversial re-election in 2018 in a poll widely branded fraudulent.

Guaido is recognised as his country's interim president by more than 50 nations, including the United States and much of the European Union.

Parra, though, declared himself National Assembly president in January while security forces loyal to Maduro prevented Guaido from entering the building for a re-election vote he was widely expected to win.

Initially allies, Parra fell out with Guaido after he was linked to a corruption scandal relating to a food distribution programme run by Maduro's government.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (June 29) gave the head of the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (June 29) gave the head of the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials. "Who are they to try to impose themselves with threats?" said Maduro. "We will sort it out in 72 hours... she will be given a plane to leave, but we will arrange our things with the European Union." Venezuela's airspace is currently closed to commercial airplanes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery Relations have been tense since 2017 when Venezuela became the first Latin American country to receive sanctions from the EU, including an arms embargo. Among the officials sanctioned on Monday was opposition legislator Luis Parra, who backed by Maduro is contesting the leadership of the opposition controlled National Assembly with its president Juan Guaido. Also read: Venezuela calls US warship presence 'a provocation' Guaido used his position as head of Parliament to challenge Maduro's authority in January 2019 by declaring himself acting president after the National Assembly deemed the socialist leader a usurper over his controversial re-election in 2018 in a poll widely branded fraudulent. Guaido is recognised as his country's interim president by more than 50 nations, including the United States and much of the European Union. Parra, though, declared himself National Assembly president in January while security forces loyal to Maduro prevented Guaido from entering the building for a re-election vote he was widely expected to win. Initially allies, Parra fell out with Guaido after he was linked to a corruption scandal relating to a food distribution programme run by Maduro's government.

Venezuela President Maduro gives EU ambassador 72 hours to leave country

Venezuela accused the United States on Wednesday of "an act of provocation" after a US warship steamed close to the South American country's territorial waters the day before.

"A United States Navy destroyer approached within 30 miles of the coast, in a clear act of provocation. It cannot be termed otherwise....it is a clear defiant act," Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said during a military ceremony in Venezuela's northern Carabobo state.

He warned that if the destroyer carried out "military operations" in Venezuelan waters "it will receive a forceful response from our Armed Forces."

The minister, a military general, made his comments in a speech to commemorate a decisive battle in Venezuela's war of independence.

On Tuesday, the US Southern Command said in a statement that a guided-missile destroyer had entered waters that Venezuela considered its own.

"The US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) conducted a freedom of navigation operation, contesting an excessive maritime claim by Venezuela," the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement.

According to the US Navy, the operation took place in international waters outside a 12-nautical-mile jurisdiction that President Nicolas Maduro claims as belonging to Venezuela.

The vessel sailed in an area that "the illegitimate Maduro regime falsely claims to have control over," the statement said.

Washington considers Maduro's presidency illegitimate and has called for his overthrow, recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president along with around 60 other countries.

US-Venezuela tensions have escalated in recent weeks over the arrival of five Iranian tankers to help alleviate fuel shortages in the South American country.

Venezuela accused the United States on Wednesday of "an act of provocation" after a US warship steamed close to the South American country's territorial waters the day before.

Venezuela accused the United States on Wednesday of "an act of provocation" after a US warship steamed close to the South American country's territorial waters the day before. "A United States Navy destroyer approached within 30 miles of the coast, in a clear act of provocation. It cannot be termed otherwise....it is a clear defiant act," Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said during a military ceremony in Venezuela's northern Carabobo state. He warned that if the destroyer carried out "military operations" in Venezuelan waters "it will receive a forceful response from our Armed Forces." The minister, a military general, made his comments in a speech to commemorate a decisive battle in Venezuela's war of independence. On Tuesday, the US Southern Command said in a statement that a guided-missile destroyer had entered waters that Venezuela considered its own. "The US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) conducted a freedom of navigation operation, contesting an excessive maritime claim by Venezuela," the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement. According to the US Navy, the operation took place in international waters outside a 12-nautical-mile jurisdiction that President Nicolas Maduro claims as belonging to Venezuela. The vessel sailed in an area that "the illegitimate Maduro regime falsely claims to have control over," the statement said. Washington considers Maduro's presidency illegitimate and has called for his overthrow, recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president along with around 60 other countries. US-Venezuela tensions have escalated in recent weeks over the arrival of five Iranian tankers to help alleviate fuel shortages in the South American country.

Venezuela calls US warship presence 'a provocation'

The elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers, an Iranian news agency report said.

The elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers, an Iranian news agency report said. Iran sent a flotilla of five tankers of fuel to gasoline-starved ally Venezuela in May, and Tehran has said it will continue the shipments if Caracas requests more, despite Washington's criticism of the trade between the two nations, which are both under US sanctions. "According to reports received by Noor News, after increasing military threats against Iranian vessels headed for Venezuela, an order was issued to Iran's armed forces to identify and track several US merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," Noor News said on its website. Also read: Iran oil tanker docks in Venezuela port as US monitors shipment "Options for reciprocal action were immediately identified and monitored for possible operations," the agency added. Iran complained to the United Nations last month and summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents US interests in the Islamic Republic, over possible measures Washington could take against the Iranian tankers. The United States, which did not hinder Iran's tanker cargoes, is considering imposing sanctions on dozens of additional foreign oil tankers for trading with Venezuela, a US official told earlier this month. Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf last year after British forces detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. Both vessels were released after a month-long standoff. Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry.

Iran prepared to retaliate if US stopped Venezuela-bound tankers: Report

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers.

Iran sent a flotilla of five tankers of fuel to gasoline-starved ally Venezuela in May, and Tehran has said it will continue the shipments if Caracas requests more, despite Washington's criticism of the trade between the two nations, which are both under US sanctions.

"According to reports received by Noor News, after increasing military threats against Iranian vessels headed for Venezuela, an order was issued to Iran's armed forces to identify and track several US merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," Noor News said on its website.

"Options for reciprocal action were immediately identified and monitored for possible operations," the agency added.

Iran complained to the United Nations last month and summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents US interests in the Islamic Republic, over possible measures Washington could take against the Iranian tankers.

The United States, which did not hinder Iran's tanker cargoes, is considering imposing sanctions on dozens of additional foreign oil tankers for trading with Venezuela, a US official told Reuters earlier this month.

Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf last yearafter British forces detained an Iranian tanker off theterritory of Gibraltar. Both vessels were released after amonths-long standoff.

In an alert that appeared aimed squarely at Iran, the US Navy issued a warning last month to mariners in the Gulf to stay 100 meters (yards) away from US warships or risk being "interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures".

Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers.

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday Iran's naval forces were preparing to target US commercial vessels in the Gulf last month in case US forces interfered with Venezuela-bound Iranian oil tankers. Iran sent a flotilla of five tankers of fuel to gasoline-starved ally Venezuela in May, and Tehran has said it will continue the shipments if Caracas requests more, despite Washington's criticism of the trade between the two nations, which are both under US sanctions. "According to reports received by Noor News, after increasing military threats against Iranian vessels headed for Venezuela, an order was issued to Iran's armed forces to identify and track several US merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," Noor News said on its website. "Options for reciprocal action were immediately identified and monitored for possible operations," the agency added. Iran complained to the United Nations last month and summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents US interests in the Islamic Republic, over possible measures Washington could take against the Iranian tankers. The United States, which did not hinder Iran's tanker cargoes, is considering imposing sanctions on dozens of additional foreign oil tankers for trading with Venezuela, a US official told Reuters earlier this month. Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf last yearafter British forces detained an Iranian tanker off theterritory of Gibraltar. Both vessels were released after amonths-long standoff. In an alert that appeared aimed squarely at Iran, the US Navy issued a warning last month to mariners in the Gulf to stay 100 meters (yards) away from US warships or risk being "interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures". Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry.

Iran prepared to retaliate if US stopped Venezuela-bound tankers

The announcement follows the arrival of Iranian tankers loaded with millions of barrels of gasoline as Venezuela faces a crippling fuel shortage

Venezuela's new gasoline system is a failure?

The new system, which was generating widespread confusion at stations early this morning, is designed to tackle a chronic fuel shortage by restricting scarce supply.

Venezuela: New pricing regime in response to fuel shortages

An Iranian oil tanker docked in a Venezuela port today after entering its waters on Saturday night, escorted by the Venezuelan navy.

A second tanker - the Forest is also being escorted by the Venezuelan Navy as authorities said five tankers were set to arrive in the country in the next few days.

The development is being keenly watched by US authorities amid growing Venezeula-Iran ties in South America as Maduro's regime battles US sanctions.

Venezuelan oil minister Tareck El Aissami had earlier said "The ships of the sister Islamic Republic of Iran are in our exclusive economic zone."

Reports said the tankers were carrying &nbsp;1.5 million barrels of gasoline. Iran had earlier warned of "consequences" if the Trump administration stopped the ships with Venezuela reeling with gasoline shortages.

"We're ready for whatever, whenever," President Nicolas Maduro told state-run media as he announced that the tankers would be escorted by the country's Navy and Air Force.

The National Security Council of the United States had earlier said that "the importation of Iranian gasoline is an act of desperation by the corrupt and illegitimate Maduro regime."

"It will not stop Venezuela’s chronic fuel shortages or alleviate the suffering that Maduro has inflicted on the once prosperous people of his country," it said.

An Iranian oil tanker docked in a Venezuela port today after entering its waters on Saturday night, escorted by the Venezuelan navy. A second tanker - the Forest is also being escorted by the Venezuelan Navy as authorities said five tankers were set to arrive in the country in the next few days.

An Iranian oil tanker docked in a Venezuela port today after entering its waters on Saturday night, escorted by the Venezuelan navy. A second tanker - the Forest is also being escorted by the Venezuelan Navy as authorities said five tankers were set to arrive in the country in the next few days. The development is being keenly watched by US authorities amid growing Venezeula-Iran ties in South America as Maduro's regime battles US sanctions. Venezuelan oil minister Tareck El Aissami had earlier said "The ships of the sister Islamic Republic of Iran are in our exclusive economic zone." Reports said the tankers were carrying 1.5 million barrels of gasoline. Iran had earlier warned of "consequences" if the Trump administration stopped the ships with Venezuela reeling with gasoline shortages. "We're ready for whatever, whenever," President Nicolas Maduro told state-run media as he announced that the tankers would be escorted by the country's Navy and Air Force. The National Security Council of the United States had earlier said that "the importation of Iranian gasoline is an act of desperation by the corrupt and illegitimate Maduro regime." "It will not stop Venezuela’s chronic fuel shortages or alleviate the suffering that Maduro has inflicted on the once prosperous people of his country," it said.

Iran oil tanker docks in Venezuela port as US monitors shipment

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it.

The tankers are carrying fuel for&nbsp;gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time.

The tanker&nbsp;passed north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago before entering the country's waters, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-probes-mexican-european-firms-over-venezuela-oil-trading-299111">Also read:&nbsp;FBI probes Mexican, European firms over Venezuela oil trading</a>

According to government sources, the tanker, named Fortune, is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela.

The shipment has caused a diplomatic stir between Venezuela, Iran and the US. Venezuela is facing an acute shortage of oil due to a nearly complete breakdown of&nbsp;OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network.

A Washington spokesperson said he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes, and the US will be considering measures in response.

However, few days ago Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Washington about retaliation&nbsp;any problems were caused for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, a local news agency had reported.

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it. The tankers are carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time.

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it. The tankers are carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time. The tanker passed north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago before entering the country's waters, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon. Also read: FBI probes Mexican, European firms over Venezuela oil trading According to government sources, the tanker, named Fortune, is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela. The shipment has caused a diplomatic stir between Venezuela, Iran and the US. Venezuela is facing an acute shortage of oil due to a nearly complete breakdown of OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network. A Washington spokesperson said he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes, and the US will be considering measures in response. However, few days ago Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Washington about retaliation any problems were caused for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, a local news agency had reported.

Iranian tankers carrying 1.53 million barrels fuel enter US waterways despite warnings

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday there would be repercussions if the United States acted "just like pirates" against an Iranian fuel shipment to Venezuela.

A senior official in President Donald Trump's administration told Reuters on Thursday the United States was considering measures it could take in response to Iran's shipment of fuel to crisis-stricken Venezuela.

The oil sectors of Iran and Venezuela, members of OPEC, are both under US sanctions. The Trump administration official declined to specify the measures being weighed but said options would be presented to Trump.

"If the United States, just like pirates, intends to create insecurity on international waterways, it would be taking a dangerous risk and that will certainly not go without repercussion," Iran's Nour news agency said.

At least one tanker carrying fuel loaded at an Iranian port has set sail for Venezuela, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon on Wednesday, which could help ease an acute scarcity of gasoline in the South American country.

"Venezuela and Iran are both independent states that have had and will continue to have trade relations with each other," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei was quoted as saying by the YJC news website, linked to Iran's state broadcaster.

"We sell goods and buy goods in return. This trade has nothing to do with anyone else," Rabiei said, adding that he had no information about the Venezuela-bound vessel.

The Iran-flagged medium tanker Clavel passed the Suez Canal on Wednesday after loading fuel at the end of March at Iran's Bandar Abbas port, according to the data.

"News received from informed sources indicate that the US Navy has sent four warships and a Boeing P-8 Poseidon from the VP-26 squadron to the Caribbean region," Nour said.

Venezuela is in desperate need of gasoline and other refined fuel products to keep the country functioning amid an economic collapse under socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela produces crude oil but its infrastructure has been crippled during the economic crisis.

A Venezuelan official said last month that Venezuela had received refining materials via plane from Iran to help it start a unit at the 310,000 barrel-per-day Cardon refinery, which is necessary to produce gasoline.

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday there would be repercussions if the United States acted "just like pirates" against an Iranian fuel shipment to Venezuela.

An Iranian news agency close to the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday there would be repercussions if the United States acted "just like pirates" against an Iranian fuel shipment to Venezuela. A senior official in President Donald Trump's administration told Reuters on Thursday the United States was considering measures it could take in response to Iran's shipment of fuel to crisis-stricken Venezuela. The oil sectors of Iran and Venezuela, members of OPEC, are both under US sanctions. The Trump administration official declined to specify the measures being weighed but said options would be presented to Trump. "If the United States, just like pirates, intends to create insecurity on international waterways, it would be taking a dangerous risk and that will certainly not go without repercussion," Iran's Nour news agency said. At least one tanker carrying fuel loaded at an Iranian port has set sail for Venezuela, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon on Wednesday, which could help ease an acute scarcity of gasoline in the South American country. "Venezuela and Iran are both independent states that have had and will continue to have trade relations with each other," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei was quoted as saying by the YJC news website, linked to Iran's state broadcaster. "We sell goods and buy goods in return. This trade has nothing to do with anyone else," Rabiei said, adding that he had no information about the Venezuela-bound vessel. The Iran-flagged medium tanker Clavel passed the Suez Canal on Wednesday after loading fuel at the end of March at Iran's Bandar Abbas port, according to the data. "News received from informed sources indicate that the US Navy has sent four warships and a Boeing P-8 Poseidon from the VP-26 squadron to the Caribbean region," Nour said. Venezuela is in desperate need of gasoline and other refined fuel products to keep the country functioning amid an economic collapse under socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela produces crude oil but its infrastructure has been crippled during the economic crisis. A Venezuelan official said last month that Venezuela had received refining materials via plane from Iran to help it start a unit at the 310,000 barrel-per-day Cardon refinery, which is necessary to produce gasoline.

Iran news agency warns US against any move on fuel shipment to Venezuela

Venezuela has charged two former US soldiers with terrorism and conspiracy over an alleged coup attempt earlier this week.

Luke Denman and Airan Berry have been accused of leading a failed incursion aimed at capturing Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The US&nbsp;Army has confirmed that both men were former members of the green berets. If found guilty, they could be sent to prison for up to 30 years.

Three charges have been levelled against the two men -- Terrorism, conspiracy and illicit trafficking of weapons. Venezuela has also requested an international arrest warrant for the top boss of silvercorp,&nbsp;a&nbsp;private security firm behind the attack. Silvercorp's chief Jordan Goudreau has admitted to planning the coup attempt at the behest of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gaido.

Gaido on his part has denied any involvement in the operation. Maduro claims the attack was a joint conspiracy by the US government and Juan Gaido who is recognised by Washington as the legitimate president of Venezuela.

Donald Trump has flat-out rejected these charges and that too in typical Trump fashion. The president said that if he wanted to attack Venezuela, he wouldn't make a secret of it. Instead of sending a small group of men, Trump said he would have sent the US army for a proper invasion.

Venezuela has charged two former US soldiers with terrorism and conspiracy over an alleged coup attempt earlier this week. Luke Denman and Airan Berry have been accused of leading a failed incursion aimed at capturing Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela has charged two former US soldiers with terrorism and conspiracy over an alleged coup attempt earlier this week. Luke Denman and Airan Berry have been accused of leading a failed incursion aimed at capturing Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The US Army has confirmed that both men were former members of the green berets. If found guilty, they could be sent to prison for up to 30 years. Three charges have been levelled against the two men -- Terrorism, conspiracy and illicit trafficking of weapons. Venezuela has also requested an international arrest warrant for the top boss of silvercorp, a private security firm behind the attack. Silvercorp's chief Jordan Goudreau has admitted to planning the coup attempt at the behest of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gaido. Gaido on his part has denied any involvement in the operation. Maduro claims the attack was a joint conspiracy by the US government and Juan Gaido who is recognised by Washington as the legitimate president of Venezuela. Donald Trump has flat-out rejected these charges and that too in typical Trump fashion. The president said that if he wanted to attack Venezuela, he wouldn't make a secret of it. Instead of sending a small group of men, Trump said he would have sent the US army for a proper invasion.

Venezuela charges two former US soldiers allegedly involved in incursion

Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, have been charged with "terrorism" and "conspiracy" by&nbsp;Venezuela on Friday. The two soldiers were&nbsp;among 17 people captured by the Venezuelan military.

The military claims the group of 17&nbsp;were attempting an invasion&nbsp;to topple President Nicolas Maduro&nbsp;in the early hours of Sunday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-complaint-draws-attention-to-trump-administrations-flawed-covid-19-response-297366">Also read:&nbsp;Whistleblower complaint draws attention to Trump's flawed COVID-19 response</a>

Attorney-General Tarek William Saab&nbsp;briefed the media that the two ex-soldiers could be looking at 25-30 years in prison as hey have been charged with&nbsp;terrorism, conspiracy, illicit trafficking of weapons of war and (criminal) association.

Venezuela has requested an international arrest warrant to capture the mastermind of this force, Jordan Goudreau, who is a former US army medic. It is alleged that he&nbsp;trained the mercenary force.&nbsp;Eight attackers were reportedly killed in the attempted incursion.

President Maduro had earlier accused his American counterpart Donald Trump to be the direct head of this invasion. To which, Donald Trump had replied, "If I wanted to go into Venezuela I wouldn't make a secret about it. I'd go in and they would do nothing about it. They would roll over. I wouldn't send a small little group. No, no, no. It would be called an army. It would be called an invasion." (as told to Fox News)

The US army confirmed they were former members of the Green Berets,&nbsp;deployed to Iraq.&nbsp;Mike Pompeo,&nbsp;Secretary of State, assured that the US government will use every possible tool to get the soldiers safely back to the States.

Venezuela Attorney General has also accused Juan Guaido, opposition leader, to be behind this inavsion. He has also accused Juan&nbsp;accused Guaido of signing a US$212 million (S$300 million) contract with "hired mercenaries" using funds seized by the United States from the state oil company PDVSA.

(With inputs from AFP)

Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, have been charged with "terrorism" and "conspiracy" by Venezuela on Friday. The two soldiers were among 17 people captured by the Venezuelan military.

Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, have been charged with "terrorism" and "conspiracy" by Venezuela on Friday. The two soldiers were among 17 people captured by the Venezuelan military. The military claims the group of 17 were attempting an invasion to topple President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Sunday morning. Also read: Whistleblower complaint draws attention to Trump's flawed COVID-19 response Attorney-General Tarek William Saab briefed the media that the two ex-soldiers could be looking at 25-30 years in prison as hey have been charged with terrorism, conspiracy, illicit trafficking of weapons of war and (criminal) association. Venezuela has requested an international arrest warrant to capture the mastermind of this force, Jordan Goudreau, who is a former US army medic. It is alleged that he trained the mercenary force. Eight attackers were reportedly killed in the attempted incursion. President Maduro had earlier accused his American counterpart Donald Trump to be the direct head of this invasion. To which, Donald Trump had replied, "If I wanted to go into Venezuela I wouldn't make a secret about it. I'd go in and they would do nothing about it. They would roll over. I wouldn't send a small little group. No, no, no. It would be called an army. It would be called an invasion." (as told to Fox News) The US army confirmed they were former members of the Green Berets, deployed to Iraq. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, assured that the US government will use every possible tool to get the soldiers safely back to the States. Venezuela Attorney General has also accused Juan Guaido, opposition leader, to be behind this inavsion. He has also accused Juan accused Guaido of signing a US$212 million (S$300 million) contract with "hired mercenaries" using funds seized by the United States from the state oil company PDVSA. (With inputs from AFP)

Venezuela charges two former US soldiers with terrorism and conspiracy

Venezuelan state television broadcast on Wednesday (May 6) a video of captured American Luke Denman, in which he said he was instructed to seize control of Caracas' airport and bring in a plane to fly President Nicolas Maduro to the United States.

Venezuela state TV airs confession video of alleged American mercenary

There is high drama in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of plotting a coup.

American arrested in Venezuela, Luke Denman, said: "To me, Venezuelans in Colombia, train them and come with them to Venezuela to Caracas and a secure airport here."

This video is playing on television screens across the world. This is American citizen Luke Denman. He is currently in Venezuelan custody.

What for? For trying to stage a coup.

It's a plot straight out of a Hollywood movie. The story begins sometime last week.

On May 4, Venezuela had news for the world. Nothing to do with the pandemic. Venezuela said it had foiled a maritime incursion. Mercenaries had tried to enter the country through the sea.

Their speedboats were intercepted by the Venezuelan military. Venezuela said 8 attackers were killed on the coast of La Guaira.

This is some 30 kilometres from the capital city of Caracas.

President Nicolas Maduro, said: "The main objective was to kill the Venezuelan president, a terrorist attack in the middle of a pandemic."

&nbsp;It did not take long for President Nicolas Maduro to cry coup. It was all planned in the White House, he said.

On May 6, 2020, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said: "Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo were directly behind this."

Later, Venezuelan authorities arrested 13 people. Among them were two Americans.

&nbsp;Luke Denman and Airan Berry, Venezuela said the duo played a key role in the plot.

Adding-- they were working with Jordan Goudreau-- an American military veteran who runs a security company in Florida.

Maduro furnished proof, he said: "Here's his license as part of silvercorp. Here's the passport of the other American mercenary who was a member of Donald Trump's security, they claim. Berry, Airan was born May 15, 1978, in Texas, United States. His identification as a member of the silvercorp company. "

&nbsp;

Goudreau has reportedly admitted to organising the invasion. He also admitted to working with Denman and Berry.

US President Donald Trump was quick to deny involvement. He said: "I just got information [referring to two US Citizens detained in Venezuela. Nothing to do with our government but I just got information on that. &nbsp;It has nothing to do with our government."

Back in Caracas, opposition leader and self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido rubbished the alleged incursion. Maduro is trying to divert attention from real issues, he said: "They want to sow confusion, they want to sow a state of apparent commotion to hide what's going on in Venezuela."

The United States has been tight-lipped on this supposed botched coup.

&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called it a consular matter. He said: "We want to get every American back. If the Maduro regime decides to hold them, we'll use every tool that we have available to try and get them back. It's our responsibility to do so."

Venezuela meanwhile is beating its chest. It's latest so-called proof against the trump administration is this confession video where Luke Denman said: "My responsibility to silvercorp are written into a contract or described in a contract signed by Jordan Goudreau, Juan Rendon and Juan Guaido."

The 34-year-old Denman claims that the plan was to secure a Caracas airport so that Maduro could be sent to the United States.

This edited video is Maduro's best ammo against the trump administration. He is now lodging a case at the International Court of Justice.

The culprits are the US government and President Donald Trump.

There is high drama in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of plotting a coup. American arrested in Venezuela, Luke Denman, said: "To me, Venezuelans in Colombia, train them and come with them to Venezuela to Caracas and a secure airport here.

There is high drama in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of plotting a coup. American arrested in Venezuela, Luke Denman, said: "To me, Venezuelans in Colombia, train them and come with them to Venezuela to Caracas and a secure airport here." This video is playing on television screens across the world. This is American citizen Luke Denman. He is currently in Venezuelan custody. What for? For trying to stage a coup. It's a plot straight out of a Hollywood movie. The story begins sometime last week. On May 4, Venezuela had news for the world. Nothing to do with the pandemic. Venezuela said it had foiled a maritime incursion. Mercenaries had tried to enter the country through the sea. Their speedboats were intercepted by the Venezuelan military. Venezuela said 8 attackers were killed on the coast of La Guaira. This is some 30 kilometres from the capital city of Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro, said: "The main objective was to kill the Venezuelan president, a terrorist attack in the middle of a pandemic." It did not take long for President Nicolas Maduro to cry coup. It was all planned in the White House, he said. On May 6, 2020, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said: "Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo were directly behind this." Later, Venezuelan authorities arrested 13 people. Among them were two Americans. Luke Denman and Airan Berry, Venezuela said the duo played a key role in the plot. Adding-- they were working with Jordan Goudreau-- an American military veteran who runs a security company in Florida. Maduro furnished proof, he said: "Here's his license as part of silvercorp. Here's the passport of the other American mercenary who was a member of Donald Trump's security, they claim. Berry, Airan was born May 15, 1978, in Texas, United States. His identification as a member of the silvercorp company. " Goudreau has reportedly admitted to organising the invasion. He also admitted to working with Denman and Berry. US President Donald Trump was quick to deny involvement. He said: "I just got information [referring to two US Citizens detained in Venezuela. Nothing to do with our government but I just got information on that. It has nothing to do with our government." Back in Caracas, opposition leader and self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido rubbished the alleged incursion. Maduro is trying to divert attention from real issues, he said: "They want to sow confusion, they want to sow a state of apparent commotion to hide what's going on in Venezuela." The United States has been tight-lipped on this supposed botched coup. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called it a consular matter. He said: "We want to get every American back. If the Maduro regime decides to hold them, we'll use every tool that we have available to try and get them back. It's our responsibility to do so." Venezuela meanwhile is beating its chest. It's latest so-called proof against the trump administration is this confession video where Luke Denman said: "My responsibility to silvercorp are written into a contract or described in a contract signed by Jordan Goudreau, Juan Rendon and Juan Guaido." The 34-year-old Denman claims that the plan was to secure a Caracas airport so that Maduro could be sent to the United States. This edited video is Maduro's best ammo against the trump administration. He is now lodging a case at the International Court of Justice. The culprits are the US government and President Donald Trump.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accuses United States of plotting coup

The Venezuelan government has said it prevented an attempted sea incursion by "terrorist mercenaries" from Colombia. The government has identified a US-based mercenary group behind this. Watch report.

Venezuela blames US for sea incursion: US-based mercenary group responsible

At least 47 people died and 75 wounded after a prison riot broke out in western Venezuela, a country where NGOs and inmates' families regularly complain of unhygienic&nbsp;conditions, violence and overcrowding in the prisons.&nbsp;

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP), a rights group provided the figures, which were later confirmed by Parliamentary Deputy Maria Beatriz Martinez.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-small-american-country-witnessed-22-prison-homicides-in-one-day-294979">This small American country witnessed 22 prison homicides in one day!</a>

Both OVP and Martinez confirmed that all the dead were detainees.&nbsp;

The riot happened on Friday afternoon at the Los Llanos prison center in Guanare city.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inmates-in-el-salvador-suffer-as-latin-american-prisons-breed-covid-19-295382">Inmates in El Salvador suffer as Latin American prisons breed COVID-19</a>

An army report on Friday said the incident started when inmates began destroying "the security fences around the perimeter" in a "massive escape attempt." It added the prison's director was wounded in the act.

However, Martinez, who represents the state where the prison is located, refuted this claim, stating the act was staged by a group of inmates "because they did not have access to food."

According to OVP, prison officials opened fire following the incident in the prison which has a capacity for 750 prisoners but some 2,500 are presently behind bars.

The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCR) on Twitter said it was "gravely concerned" about the incident and requested the officials to carry out a "thorough investigation".&nbsp;

"We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, tackle overcrowding, and guarantee basic rights," the UNOHCR said.

Venezuela's prisons are infamous for severe violence and poor conditions of the prisoners.

As many as 97 deaths occurred in Venezuelan prisons in 2019, 70 per cent of which were due to diseases such as tuberculosis and inadequate supply of medicines, according to OVP.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

At least 47 people died and 75 wounded after a prison riot broke out in western Venezuela, a country where NGOs and inmates' families regularly complain of unhygienic conditions, violence and overcrowding in the prisons.

At least 47 people died and 75 wounded after a prison riot broke out in western Venezuela, a country where NGOs and inmates' families regularly complain of unhygienic conditions, violence and overcrowding in the prisons. The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP), a rights group provided the figures, which were later confirmed by Parliamentary Deputy Maria Beatriz Martinez. Also read | This small American country witnessed 22 prison homicides in one day! Both OVP and Martinez confirmed that all the dead were detainees. The riot happened on Friday afternoon at the Los Llanos prison center in Guanare city. Also read | Inmates in El Salvador suffer as Latin American prisons breed COVID-19 An army report on Friday said the incident started when inmates began destroying "the security fences around the perimeter" in a "massive escape attempt." It added the prison's director was wounded in the act. However, Martinez, who represents the state where the prison is located, refuted this claim, stating the act was staged by a group of inmates "because they did not have access to food." According to OVP, prison officials opened fire following the incident in the prison which has a capacity for 750 prisoners but some 2,500 are presently behind bars. The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCR) on Twitter said it was "gravely concerned" about the incident and requested the officials to carry out a "thorough investigation". "We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, tackle overcrowding, and guarantee basic rights," the UNOHCR said. Venezuela's prisons are infamous for severe violence and poor conditions of the prisoners. As many as 97 deaths occurred in Venezuelan prisons in 2019, 70 per cent of which were due to diseases such as tuberculosis and inadequate supply of medicines, according to OVP.

Venezuela: At least 47 dead, 75 injured in prison riot

An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe - Oil wars, a failing economy, the risk of COVID-19 with a collapsed health care system, dictatorship, drug trafficking, terrorism, complex internal politics and the interests of global powers in a South American nation; might seem like the plot of a fictional movie however it is a stark reality in Venezuela.

An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe - Oil wars, a failing economy, the risk of COVID-19 with a collapsed health care system, dictatorship, drug trafficking, terrorism, complex internal politics and the interests of global powers in a South American nation; might seem like the plot of a fictional movie however it is a stark reality in Venezuela. Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó, spoke about the crisis within a crisis, to Palki Sharma Upadhyay on the global leadership series on WION. The ongoing political crisis in Venezuela has divided the international community - while 60+ countries back interim President Juan Guaidó and others support Nicolas Maduro who runs the country. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world and oil revenue accounts for 99% of exports. On being asked about oil prices plunging after OPEC struck a historic deal to reduce production, he said, "Venezuela has enormous potential not only in oil but also in energy. We have the fifth-largest gas reserve in the world, we have significant mineral potential, we have a privileged climate for agribusiness; We are the Latin American country with the greatest potential for agro-industrial growth, even more than Brazil." He continued, "For us, the tragedy is not the price of oil; The tragedy today for Venezuela is that we went from producing three and a half million barrels a day to just producing between 500 thousand and 700 barrels a day, a consequence of corruption, of the ineffectiveness of this dictatorship; that's the real tragedy. "For years we had a Macroeconomic Stabilization Fund precisely to go through these episodes of economic difficulty as a result of our economic dependence on oil, unfortunately, the dictatorship also stole that Stabilization Fund and today it exposes us to this social vulnerability as a result of institutional weakness consequence that Maduro isolated himself from the international concert by not recognizing the legitimate National Assembly, by trying to steal an election, by linking himself with terrorist groups like Hezbollah, such as the ELN, both groups are in the region," he revealed. “In the future, it remains an important lever (oil) coupled with the great potential that Venezuela has geopolitically because we are in the middle of the American continent, we also have a privileged climate during the year, and it offers enormous potential for companies that want to come to invest in Venezuela, he added. On being questioned about the role of China in providing financial aid and healthcare supplies to the country and a potential debt trap he said, " Regrettably, our oil industry is now destroyed, limiting our capacities of being able to have healthy trade ties not just in the region, but with the world. For us, once we’ve gone through the dictatorship and the pandemic, the challenge is to be able to have healthy commercial relations with China, with India and with the world. Unfortunately, today this is not possible because the dictators that usurped the Executive Power in Venezuela have preferred to link themselves with drug trafficking, terrorism and destruction of the Amazon to try to exploit our gold." He continued, "China, in recent years, has not given financial support to the dictatorship because they don’t have the Parliament’s approval - which I preside, as President in charge. It is recognized by 60 countries of the world and our struggle to recover our democracy.” How is Venezuela coping with the pandemic? - Interim President Juan Guaidó stated, "We are going through a complex humanitarian emergency that already has 15% to 20% of the population at the risk of death. We have the second-largest migrant flow on the planet - after Syria - A country that is at war. Our health system has collapsed. 60% of our public hospitals do not have piped water. 80% of our employees don't even have soap at the moment. There are only 84 respirators for a population of more than 30 million people. The Venezuelan minimum wage today is $4 a month. An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Venezuela - an oil country that today only has oil, and unfortunately they destroyed our oil industry." Speaking about his personal experiences with the dictatorship he exclaimed, "In Venezuela in addition to the COVID-19 virus, we live with the virus of the dictatorship that has haunted us for years. I have 16 people from my team kidnapped, imprisoned or tortured. They have persecuted us for years, they have murdered journalists, they have murdered community leaders. The confinement also gives a different perspective of how to live in persecution; my uncle, for example, is being tortured in cells of military counterintelligence; My four previous Heads of Office - one has been kidnapped and three in exile." He added, "It is particularly difficult for us to be able to respond to our people by facing two viruses simultaneously: one of dictatorship and fascism; and one of COVID-19; but we are very firm, attending the teams that are persecuted today; and attending above all our people with the tools that we have at our disposal." "Today the majority of our population - more than 90% according to opinion studies - wants a (political) change. They want to live with dignity" he stated. "We must always put the citizen first, attend to their needs, and for this reason, we are making every effort to obtain the necessary humanitarian aid - even recognized by the dictatorship at this time.", he mentioned on being asked about the political division affecting the response to the pandemic in the country. On his party’s claims that the pandemic would give Maduro diplomatic legitimacy, he stated," Maduro is already unrecoverable to say the least. He has violated human rights, as laid out by the United Nations and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He is being indicted for terrorism and drug trafficking - it is as if the drug cartels are usurping functions. It is exactly what is happening today in Venezuela. They are using the State power to finance world terrorism and commercialize drug trafficking." He added, "On the contrary, we have proposed a solution, an alternative, not only to the emergency but also to the situation in Venezuela. We call it the Government of National Emergency, it is a constitutional figure in Venezuela that today is also supported by more than 60 countries and it is a global solution to the emergency, to the crisis within a health crisis, and to be able to lead us again to a democracy that all Venezuelans want." About the accountability of China for the COVID-19 outbreak, he maintained, " I believe that as a global society, today we all have to take responsibility; not only a country or two, we must be jointly responsible for what is happening. I think that at this moment, as is the fight against climate change, as is the interdependence between nations, we have to be able to prevent something like this in the future; it is evident that we cannot face an emergency like this in the future with the vulnerability that we have today between countries. In the case of Venezuelans, in the case of Latin America, the current vulnerability of our health systems has to deeply call our attention so that we never go through a situation like this again, but rather prepare for the future, and of course what we want to bequeath to future generations." Talking about relations with India he said, "India with its big pharmaceutical companies can even collaborate and help a lot. It is the largest democracy in the world today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made important policy expansions on the economy front. Today, India also has an important refiner for Venezuelan oil. In the future, we must continue to strengthen these relations between our countries." About India's role in providing life-saving drugs during this critical time, he responded”, I think that some countries that have built capacities, that have enormous potential, also have a duty to humanity today; it is a matter of a win-win situation; we must safeguard the world economy because then a potential recession will affect all economies, not only those that today cannot withstand the pandemic, potential markets, job creation, economic growth in the world will affect even the potential nations". About a future after the pandemic, he said, " I think the answer can’t be to close borders in the future, for example; surely there will be some who will be tended to close borders or prevent mobility, I think it is the opposite, that we have to open up in access to information, in sharing information more transparently, we must be aware of the global economy necessarily to be able to support the premises in an interrelated world. Great difficulties also provide great opportunities; I hope this helps us to become aware of the world as a global society. We are going to have to do our part to open borders, we have an opportunity, a turning point in humanity."

In the wake of the historic OPEC deal, the country with the World’s largest oil reserves struggles to survive

Will the Coronavirus crisis end Nicolas Maduro's grip on power or will it make it worse? What's in store for Venezuela? WION's Palki Sharma put these questions to Venezuelan leader Juan Guaido in an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas Exclusive: Juan Guaido calls for India's help amid Covid-19 outbreak

The United States on Tuesday called on Venezuela's Juan Guaido to renounce his claim to the presidency at least temporarily as it recalibrated its strategy to oust leader Nicolas Maduro.

The shift came after more than a year of faltering US-led efforts to oust the leftist Maduro and as Guaido comes under growing pressure, with authorities on Tuesday summoning him over charges of attempting a coup.

In a new "democratic transition framework," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Maduro and Guaido should set up an interim government with members of both their parties that will arrange elections in six to 12 months.

If fully implemented, the United States and European Union would lift sanctions, including sweeping US restrictions on Venezuela's vital oil exports and on Maduro and his allies as individuals, the State Department said.

The IMF and other international lenders would be invited to consider economic relief for Venezuela, from which millions have fled as they face dire shortages of food and other necessities.

The plan also calls for the departure of foreign forces from Venezuela, a reference to the regime's support from Cuba and Russia.

"We believe this framework protects the interests and equities of all Venezuelan people who desperately seek a resolution to their dire political, economic and humanitarian crisis, and who know Venezuelans can have something better," Pompeo said, urging all sides to consider it "carefully and seriously."

But Maduro has repeatedly ruled out stepping aside and Guaido himself proposed a transitional government in failed, Norwegian-brokered talks last year.

US still backs Guaido

Pompeo signalled that US goals have not changed, saying that Washington still supported Guaido -- a 36-year-old engineer who has been recognized as interim president by some 60 countries since January 2019.

And while the framework says that any Venezuela citizen can run for president in future elections, Pompeo reiterated that the United States wanted Maduro out.

"We've made clear all along that Nicolas Maduro will never again govern Venezuela," Pompeo told reporters.

Asked if Guaido could run, Pompeo said: "Absolutely yes."

"I think he's the most popular politician in Venezuela. I think if there were an election held today, he could do incredibly well," Pompeo said.

"But more importantly we continue to support him. When we put together this pathway to democracy, we work closely with him."

Elliott Abrams, the US point man on Venezuela, said that Guaido would remain head of the National Assembly -- a position from which he derives his legitimacy following wide allegations of fraud in Maduro's 2018 re-election.

But Abrams said that any person who heads the transitional government would not be allowed to run for president.

Guaido summoned

Guaido welcomed Pompeo's initiative, writing on Twitter: "This is the time to rise; we are taking the right steps to save Venezuela."

Hours earlier, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said on state television that Guaido had been summoned to appear before prosecutors in an investigation into the seizure of weapons in neighboring Colombia.

Saab alleged that the arms were to be smuggled into Venezuela. Colombia last week said it seized a weapons cache linked to a retired Venezuelan general, Cliver Alcala -- who last week surrendered to US authorities on drug-trafficking charges.

Alcala on Tuesday pleaded not guilty before a federal court in New York.&nbsp;

He was once close to late president Hugo Chavez, Maduro's predecessor and ideological inspiration. But Saab charged that Alcala was taking orders from Guaido.

Opposition supporters say that the Venezuelan judiciary regularly trumps up charges for political reasons, although Guaido has been allowed to operate freely, even after he flew to Washington earlier this year to meet President Donald Trump.

The United States last week also filed drug-trafficking charges against Maduro, casting him as a common criminal with a $15 million bounty on his head.

The United States on Tuesday called on Venezuela's Juan Guaido to renounce his claim to the presidency at least temporarily as it recalibrated its strategy to oust leader Nicolas Maduro.

The United States on Tuesday called on Venezuela's Juan Guaido to renounce his claim to the presidency at least temporarily as it recalibrated its strategy to oust leader Nicolas Maduro. The shift came after more than a year of faltering US-led efforts to oust the leftist Maduro and as Guaido comes under growing pressure, with authorities on Tuesday summoning him over charges of attempting a coup. In a new "democratic transition framework," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Maduro and Guaido should set up an interim government with members of both their parties that will arrange elections in six to 12 months. If fully implemented, the United States and European Union would lift sanctions, including sweeping US restrictions on Venezuela's vital oil exports and on Maduro and his allies as individuals, the State Department said. The IMF and other international lenders would be invited to consider economic relief for Venezuela, from which millions have fled as they face dire shortages of food and other necessities. The plan also calls for the departure of foreign forces from Venezuela, a reference to the regime's support from Cuba and Russia. "We believe this framework protects the interests and equities of all Venezuelan people who desperately seek a resolution to their dire political, economic and humanitarian crisis, and who know Venezuelans can have something better," Pompeo said, urging all sides to consider it "carefully and seriously." But Maduro has repeatedly ruled out stepping aside and Guaido himself proposed a transitional government in failed, Norwegian-brokered talks last year. US still backs Guaido Pompeo signalled that US goals have not changed, saying that Washington still supported Guaido -- a 36-year-old engineer who has been recognized as interim president by some 60 countries since January 2019. And while the framework says that any Venezuela citizen can run for president in future elections, Pompeo reiterated that the United States wanted Maduro out. "We've made clear all along that Nicolas Maduro will never again govern Venezuela," Pompeo told reporters. Asked if Guaido could run, Pompeo said: "Absolutely yes." "I think he's the most popular politician in Venezuela. I think if there were an election held today, he could do incredibly well," Pompeo said. "But more importantly we continue to support him. When we put together this pathway to democracy, we work closely with him." Elliott Abrams, the US point man on Venezuela, said that Guaido would remain head of the National Assembly -- a position from which he derives his legitimacy following wide allegations of fraud in Maduro's 2018 re-election. But Abrams said that any person who heads the transitional government would not be allowed to run for president. Guaido summoned Guaido welcomed Pompeo's initiative, writing on Twitter: "This is the time to rise; we are taking the right steps to save Venezuela." Hours earlier, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said on state television that Guaido had been summoned to appear before prosecutors in an investigation into the seizure of weapons in neighboring Colombia. Saab alleged that the arms were to be smuggled into Venezuela. Colombia last week said it seized a weapons cache linked to a retired Venezuelan general, Cliver Alcala -- who last week surrendered to US authorities on drug-trafficking charges. Alcala on Tuesday pleaded not guilty before a federal court in New York. He was once close to late president Hugo Chavez, Maduro's predecessor and ideological inspiration. But Saab charged that Alcala was taking orders from Guaido. Opposition supporters say that the Venezuelan judiciary regularly trumps up charges for political reasons, although Guaido has been allowed to operate freely, even after he flew to Washington earlier this year to meet President Donald Trump. The United States last week also filed drug-trafficking charges against Maduro, casting him as a common criminal with a $15 million bounty on his head.

In Venezuela shift, US asks Guaido to renounce power, for now

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