<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-two-students-open-fire-at-colorado-school-wounding-eight-schoolmates-216856">US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded</a>

Two male students&nbsp;armed with guns&nbsp;burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final</a>

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-promised-to-guarantee-safety-of-us-interests-from-iran-says-pompeo-in-baghdad-216862">Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad</a>

Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of&nbsp;US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866">Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court</a>

Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition&nbsp;leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-indicate-china-building-third-aircraft-carrier-us-think-tank-216863">Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank</a>

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its&nbsp;third aircraft carrier&nbsp;is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the&nbsp;Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said. Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks. Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt. Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido says that people who had pledged support for his abortive uprising last week had "failed to follow through" to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro and add that "it doesn't mean that they won't do it soon".

Venezuela's Guaido says backers 'failed to follow through'

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia condemns what he called a campaign to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and urged Washington to cancel its "irresponsible" plans. Watch this video to know more.

Russia urges to abandon 'Irresponsible' plan

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week, leader Diosdado Cabello said Sunday.

"The prosecutor's office opened its file, all the requests to lift <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelans-hit-street-as-opposition-leader-guaido-declares-definitive-escalation-208468&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtwrfgmobiAhUHv48KHUMyA8YQFjAJegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tIJjDgQU4dGnRyMgklCtu">parliamentary immunity</a> are coming to the Constituent Assembly, as it should be, and... we will certainly raise our hands to remove parliamentary immunity from all those who actively participated in that act," Cabello said.

On Tuesday, around 30 soldiers carried out a failed uprising against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-calls-on-military-to-fight-any-coup-plotter-215522&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiuxPnPmobiAhXTh3AKHWf0CYwQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zVrhnLZVNBhtefyS8YAS9">President Nicolas Maduro </a>near La Carlota Air Base in Caracas in a move backed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries.

Several deputies of the National Assembly, the only Venezuelan organ of power held by the opposition, backed Guaido, who presides over the body.

Guaido called Tuesday's ultimately failed uprising the beginning of a "freedom operation" seeking to remove Maduro from power.

"Justice is going to come, there's no doubt about that... let us not despair," Cabello, considered Maduro's right-hand man, said during a speech with activists of the ruling PSUV party in Caracas.

After the failed uprising, denounced by Maduro as a "coup-style skirmish," some 25 soldiers took refuge at embassies, along with top opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, freed from house arrest by Guaido supporters.

Lopez, who is under an arrest warrant, is staying at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week, leader Diosdado Cabello said Sunday.

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week, leader Diosdado Cabello said Sunday. "The prosecutor's office opened its file, all the requests to lift parliamentary immunity are coming to the Constituent Assembly, as it should be, and... we will certainly raise our hands to remove parliamentary immunity from all those who actively participated in that act," Cabello said. On Tuesday, around 30 soldiers carried out a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro near La Carlota Air Base in Caracas in a move backed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries. Several deputies of the National Assembly, the only Venezuelan organ of power held by the opposition, backed Guaido, who presides over the body. Guaido called Tuesday's ultimately failed uprising the beginning of a "freedom operation" seeking to remove Maduro from power. "Justice is going to come, there's no doubt about that... let us not despair," Cabello, considered Maduro's right-hand man, said during a speech with activists of the ruling PSUV party in Caracas. After the failed uprising, denounced by Maduro as a "coup-style skirmish," some 25 soldiers took refuge at embassies, along with top opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, freed from house arrest by Guaido supporters. Lopez, who is under an arrest warrant, is staying at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela to strip immunity from lawmakers who backed coup bid

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week.

Venezuela to strip immunity from opposition lawmakers

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

"We are ready for all scenarios. The first is diplomacy, dialogue, peace," Arreaza told a press conference.&nbsp;

But if Washington "opts for the military path, we have an armed force,&nbsp;people, a national guard that will be able not just to resist and fight, but also to win," he added.&nbsp;

The statement comes following a failed, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-strip-immunity-from-lawmakers-who-backed-coup-bid-216298">US-backed bid by the Venezuelan</a> opposition to spur a military uprising.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-no-russian-meddling-in-venezuela-215867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed the failure on Russia, a key backer of Maduro.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has meanwhile called on Washington to "abandon its irresponsible plans" in the crisis-wracked country.

The push and shove set the stage for a Pompeo meeting with Lavrov in Finland this week.&nbsp;

The tense exchange belied the conciliatory tone taken by US President Donald Trump on Friday after what he said was "a very good conversation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Arreaza said Caracas was developing "alternatives to financial trading systems" with its Russian and Chinese allies to "get around the American blockade".&nbsp;

He also confirmed a Venezuelan delegation would be at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg next month, possibly including Maduro.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "We are ready for all scenarios. The first is diplomacy, dialogue, peace," Arreaza told a press conference. But if Washington "opts for the military path, we have an armed force, people, a national guard that will be able not just to resist and fight, but also to win," he added. The statement comes following a failed, US-backed bid by the Venezuelan opposition to spur a military uprising. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed the failure on Russia, a key backer of Maduro. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has meanwhile called on Washington to "abandon its irresponsible plans" in the crisis-wracked country. The push and shove set the stage for a Pompeo meeting with Lavrov in Finland this week. The tense exchange belied the conciliatory tone taken by US President Donald Trump on Friday after what he said was "a very good conversation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Arreaza said Caracas was developing "alternatives to financial trading systems" with its Russian and Chinese allies to "get around the American blockade". He also confirmed a Venezuelan delegation would be at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg next month, possibly including Maduro.

If United States opts for war, we will not only fight but win: Venezuela government

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 5th, 2019

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro urged the army on Saturday to prepare for the possibility of US military action. Watch full video to know more.

President Maduro tells military to be ready for potential US military action

Political unrest in Venezuela Continued once again. Watch this video to know more.

Political unrest in Venezuela continues

A day after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">Nicolas Maduro</a>&nbsp;exhibited a&nbsp;show of unity with military figures&nbsp;in a television broadcast, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">Venezuelan President </a>on Saturday called on the armed forces to be "ready" in the event of a US military offensive against the South American country.

Addressing a speech to troops, Maduro told the military "to be ready to defend the homeland with weapons in your&nbsp;hands if one day the US empire dares to touch this territory, this sacred earth."

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>

His speech at a military base came days after&nbsp;opposition leader Juan Guaido rallied his supporters in a new day of protests to press the armed forces to support his bid to dislodge Maduro.

Maduro's show of unity in a television broadcast aimed at rejecting&nbsp;claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him.

Venezuelans on Wednesday heeded a call from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">Guaido</a>&nbsp;to take to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-more-protesters-die-following-venezuela-clashes-215484">streets</a>&nbsp;in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, is recognised 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.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A day after Nicolas Maduro exhibited a show of unity with military figures in a television broadcast, the Venezuelan President on Saturday called on the armed forces to be "ready" in the event of a US military offensive against the South American country.

A day after Nicolas Maduro exhibited a show of unity with military figures in a television broadcast, the Venezuelan President on Saturday called on the armed forces to be "ready" in the event of a US military offensive against the South American country. Addressing a speech to troops, Maduro told the military "to be ready to defend the homeland with weapons in your hands if one day the US empire dares to touch this territory, this sacred earth." Also read: US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call His speech at a military base came days after opposition leader Juan Guaido rallied his supporters in a new day of protests to press the armed forces to support his bid to dislodge Maduro. Maduro's show of unity in a television broadcast aimed at rejecting claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him. Venezuelans on Wednesday heeded a call from Guaido to take to the streets in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis. Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, is recognised 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela's Maduro tells armed forces to be 'ready' in case of US attack

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discuss-possible-new-nuclear-accord-white-house-215736">talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin</a> on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

The US leader adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone following a more than an hour-long conversation with Putin, coming days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader seeking to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

"It was a very positive conversation," Trump said. "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela."&nbsp;

"And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving."&nbsp;

Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that the socialist Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. &nbsp;

Recognized as an interim leader by more than 50 countries including the United States, Guaido has vowed to keep the pressure up on Maduro, urging his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations at military bases Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House.

"Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement.

"Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added.

Options limited?

The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro from power.

Washington is insisting Maduro's days are numbered -&nbsp;but experts say US options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan hosted Pompeo at the Pentagon Friday along with National Security Advisor John Bolton and Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command.

Reiterating Trump's position -&nbsp;that "all options" are on the table -&nbsp;Shanahan declined to provide any details on possible military intervention.

"I'm trying to avoid walking into 'We could do this or we could do that,'" he said. "What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans."

"We have a comprehensive set of options tailored to certain conditions and I'm just going to leave it at that."&nbsp;

'Peacefully, civically'

Guaido plans to have his supporters mass outside military bases on Saturday, and deliver a proclamation to those inside, pleading with them to break with Maduro.

"Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

On Tuesday the opposition leader called on the military to rise up against Maduro, and a small group heeded his call.

But the movement petered out -&nbsp;with 25 rebel soldiers seeking asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas - sparking two days of protests during which four people were killed and some 200 injured.

The influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez - who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido after being freed from house arrest - has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground.

In Lima, ministers from Latin American nations and Canada held an emergency meeting to discuss Tuesday's failed effort.

The lack of progress left nations backing Guaido facing "a very confusing situation," a diplomatic source told AFP on the sidelines of the meeting.

"The reality is that the military leadership resisted the attack and are united," he said.

"There are cracks, but not in the military leadership," said the source. "International pressure via economic sanctions is the way to weaken the Chavist regime."

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president. The US leader adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone following a more than an hour-long conversation with Putin, coming days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader seeking to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. "It was a very positive conversation," Trump said. "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela." "And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving." Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that the socialist Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. Recognized as an interim leader by more than 50 countries including the United States, Guaido has vowed to keep the pressure up on Maduro, urging his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations at military bases Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him. US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House. "Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement. "Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added. Options limited? The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro from power. Washington is insisting Maduro's days are numbered - but experts say US options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan hosted Pompeo at the Pentagon Friday along with National Security Advisor John Bolton and Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command. Reiterating Trump's position - that "all options" are on the table - Shanahan declined to provide any details on possible military intervention. "I'm trying to avoid walking into 'We could do this or we could do that,'" he said. "What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans." "We have a comprehensive set of options tailored to certain conditions and I'm just going to leave it at that." 'Peacefully, civically' Guaido plans to have his supporters mass outside military bases on Saturday, and deliver a proclamation to those inside, pleading with them to break with Maduro. "Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. On Tuesday the opposition leader called on the military to rise up against Maduro, and a small group heeded his call. But the movement petered out - with 25 rebel soldiers seeking asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas - sparking two days of protests during which four people were killed and some 200 injured. The influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez - who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido after being freed from house arrest - has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy. Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground. In Lima, ministers from Latin American nations and Canada held an emergency meeting to discuss Tuesday's failed effort. The lack of progress left nations backing Guaido facing "a very confusing situation," a diplomatic source told AFP on the sidelines of the meeting. "The reality is that the military leadership resisted the attack and are united," he said. "There are cracks, but not in the military leadership," said the source. "International pressure via economic sanctions is the way to weaken the Chavist regime."

'Very positive' Venezuela talks with Russian President Putin: Donald Trump

The Lima group had a meeting on the Venezuela crisis. The group reiterates support for Juan Guaidó but not military intervention. Watch full video to know more.

Lima group reiterates support for Juan Guaidó

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/political-unrest-in-venezuela-continues-215810&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiizICkuoHiAhVS4XMBHfRQBq0QFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o5sjk_3rEjaBUXDTLPS8N">crisis-hit country.</a>

The protest call by Guaido -- the head of the National Assembly legislature, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- comes just days after he urged the military to rise up against the socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

"Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas.

A small group of military personnel heeded Guaido's call to rise up on Tuesday, but the effort petered out, triggering two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed and several hundred injured.

Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground.

The country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

The standoff has drawn in major world powers, with the US throwing its support behind Guaido and Russia and China backing Maduro.

The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro out.

But President Donald Trump adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772">more than an hour-long conversation with Vladimir Putin</a> on the Venezuela crisis, describing the Friday talks with his Russian counterpart as "very positive."&nbsp;

'People are starving'

"He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela," Trump said of Putin.&nbsp;

"And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving", Trump added.&nbsp;

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport.

Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House.

"Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement.

"Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added.

The United States is insisting Maduro's days are numbered, but experts say its options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the crisis-hit country.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the crisis-hit country. The protest call by Guaido -- the head of the National Assembly legislature, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- comes just days after he urged the military to rise up against the socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. "Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas. A small group of military personnel heeded Guaido's call to rise up on Tuesday, but the effort petered out, triggering two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed and several hundred injured. Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground. The country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. The standoff has drawn in major world powers, with the US throwing its support behind Guaido and Russia and China backing Maduro. The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro out. But President Donald Trump adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone after a more than an hour-long conversation with Vladimir Putin on the Venezuela crisis, describing the Friday talks with his Russian counterpart as "very positive." 'People are starving' "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela," Trump said of Putin. "And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving", Trump added. Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport. Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House. "Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement. "Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added. The United States is insisting Maduro's days are numbered, but experts say its options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Venezuela's Juan Guaido makes new bid to rally military support

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-us-president-donald-trump-offers-prayers-to-venezuelans-215596&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq-MiZq__hAhV96XMBHfCRDyQQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iKBKeAj0hRrGc4l0AvlHZ">Venezuelan </a>opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, evading arrest in a Spanish diplomatic residence, on Thursday disclosed he met with senior military officials before a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro this week.

Suggesting coordination continues with armed forces figures in the campaign to oust Maduro, Lopez said more "military movements" were on the way.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-calls-on-military-to-fight-any-coup-plotter-215522&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq-MiZq__hAhV96XMBHfCRDyQQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2AjUn6GybQ5PsArbrD1Ybh">Maduro </a>sought to show that the military remains on his side by appearing early on Thursday on state television with his defence minister and military operations chief.&nbsp;

The pre-dawn military uprising on Tuesday urged on by opposition leader and Lopez ally Juan Guaido, failed to gain steam as security forces loyal to Maduro cracked down on demonstrators who had taken to the streets in support of Guaido.

"The fissure that opened on April 30 will become a crack, and that crack is what is going to break the levee," Lopez told reporters from Spain`s Caracas diplomatic residence.

He said he had met with commanders and generals from different sectors of Venezuela`s armed forces in his home in the past three weeks.

"There we committed ourselves to contribute to the end of the usurpation," he added.&nbsp;

Lopez, a firebrand politician and Guaido`s mentor, was arrested during a protest movement in 2014 and transferred to house arrest in 2017.

He appeared together with Guaido and dozens of soldiers on Tuesday after escaping his home and before seeking refuge at the Spanish residence.&nbsp;

A Venezuelan court on Thursday issued a warrant for Lopez`s arrest, saying he violated an order that required him to remain under house arrest and restricted his ability to speak publicly.

A Spanish government spokeswoman said Madrid had no intention of turning him over to Venezuelan authorities.

Lopez`s surprise escape provided a jolt to Guaido`s movement, more than three months after he invoked the country`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, has been recognized as the South American country`s legitimate leader by more than 50 countries, including the United States and Spain.

Maduro, a socialist who retains the support of Russia, Cuba and China, calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to orchestrate a coup against him.

FOUR DIE IN CLASHES

Lopez`s comments came after two days of upheaval in the OPEC nation, which is undergoing a hyperinflationary economic collapse marked by shortages of food and medicine.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands took to the streets across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, heeding Guaido`s call to keep the pressure on Maduro.

Clashes with security forces left four dead, along with hundreds injured or detained.&nbsp;

Maduro, in his early morning speech, sought to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn against him to allow Guaido to form a transition government and call elections.

US&nbsp;officials have said Venezuela`s military high command was in discussions with the Supreme Court and representatives of Guaido over Maduro`s exit.

Elliott Abrams, the US&nbsp;special envoy for Venezuela, told broadcaster VPI on Wednesday that Maduro cannot trust his top military leaders.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, along with&nbsp;the Supreme Court`s chief justice and the commander of the presidential guard, had told the opposition Maduro needed to leave power.

But Padrino stood beside Maduro, who took over from the late President Hugo Chavez in 2013, in Thursday`s address.

"Do not come to buy us with a dishonest offer, as if we do not have dignity," Padrino said.&nbsp;

Military operations chief Remigio Ceballos also appeared in the broadcast.&nbsp;

NEXT STEPS

The military is seen as key in Venezuela`s standoff.&nbsp;

Lopez did not detail whom in the military he had met with, but representatives of the opposition have approached several key figures in the armed forces in recent months, including a high-ranking army general, according to former General Antonio Rivero and another former senior member of Venezuela`s military who spoke on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Guaido has promised amnesty for members of the armed forces who join his cause.

In a tweet about the death of a protester at the hands of security forces on Wednesday, he said, "The murderers will have to take responsibility for their crimes" and members of the armed forces were "sworn to protect the people, not a usurper who hides while you watch them kill your brothers."

Guaido has suggested a general strike as the next step to pressure Maduro, while US&nbsp;officials have said more sanctions are coming to choke off cash flow to Venezuela`s government.

The United States has already imposed sanctions on state-run oil company PDVSA, the OPEC nation`s economic lifeblood.

On Wednesday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump`s top national security aides discussed a range of possible steps to squeeze Maduro and give eventual economic support to Venezuela if he falls, a senior administration official said.&nbsp;

The talks included sanctions, diplomacy and defence options, the official said, adding that there was "significant progress on defence matters" without providing details or saying whether any decisions had been made.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said US&nbsp;military action in Venezuela is possible but diplomatic and economic pressure are the preferred ways to oust Maduro.

In an interview with Brazilian newspaper Folha published on Thursday, Guaido said he did not rule out a foreign military intervention to oust Maduro, but that it would be the "last option" after pressuring for a "free transition."

Russia said on Thursday it had agreed to continue talks on Venezuela with the United States, while China called for a political settlement via dialogue.

Venezuelan opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, evading arrest in a Spanish diplomatic residence, on Thursday disclosed he met with senior military officials before a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro this week.

Venezuelan opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, evading arrest in a Spanish diplomatic residence, on Thursday disclosed he met with senior military officials before a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro this week. Suggesting coordination continues with armed forces figures in the campaign to oust Maduro, Lopez said more "military movements" were on the way. But Maduro sought to show that the military remains on his side by appearing early on Thursday on state television with his defence minister and military operations chief. The pre-dawn military uprising on Tuesday urged on by opposition leader and Lopez ally Juan Guaido, failed to gain steam as security forces loyal to Maduro cracked down on demonstrators who had taken to the streets in support of Guaido. "The fissure that opened on April 30 will become a crack, and that crack is what is going to break the levee," Lopez told reporters from Spain`s Caracas diplomatic residence. He said he had met with commanders and generals from different sectors of Venezuela`s armed forces in his home in the past three weeks. "There we committed ourselves to contribute to the end of the usurpation," he added. Lopez, a firebrand politician and Guaido`s mentor, was arrested during a protest movement in 2014 and transferred to house arrest in 2017. He appeared together with Guaido and dozens of soldiers on Tuesday after escaping his home and before seeking refuge at the Spanish residence. A Venezuelan court on Thursday issued a warrant for Lopez`s arrest, saying he violated an order that required him to remain under house arrest and restricted his ability to speak publicly. A Spanish government spokeswoman said Madrid had no intention of turning him over to Venezuelan authorities. Lopez`s surprise escape provided a jolt to Guaido`s movement, more than three months after he invoked the country`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, has been recognized as the South American country`s legitimate leader by more than 50 countries, including the United States and Spain. Maduro, a socialist who retains the support of Russia, Cuba and China, calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to orchestrate a coup against him. FOUR DIE IN CLASHES Lopez`s comments came after two days of upheaval in the OPEC nation, which is undergoing a hyperinflationary economic collapse marked by shortages of food and medicine. Tens of thousands took to the streets across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, heeding Guaido`s call to keep the pressure on Maduro. Clashes with security forces left four dead, along with hundreds injured or detained. Maduro, in his early morning speech, sought to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn against him to allow Guaido to form a transition government and call elections. US officials have said Venezuela`s military high command was in discussions with the Supreme Court and representatives of Guaido over Maduro`s exit. Elliott Abrams, the US special envoy for Venezuela, told broadcaster VPI on Wednesday that Maduro cannot trust his top military leaders. US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir 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. But Padrino stood beside Maduro, who took over from the late President Hugo Chavez in 2013, in Thursday`s address. "Do not come to buy us with a dishonest offer, as if we do not have dignity," Padrino said. Military operations chief Remigio Ceballos also appeared in the broadcast. NEXT STEPS The military is seen as key in Venezuela`s standoff. Lopez did not detail whom in the military he had met with, but representatives of the opposition have approached several key figures in the armed forces in recent months, including a high-ranking army general, according to former General Antonio Rivero and another former senior member of Venezuela`s military who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Guaido has promised amnesty for members of the armed forces who join his cause. In a tweet about the death of a protester at the hands of security forces on Wednesday, he said, "The murderers will have to take responsibility for their crimes" and members of the armed forces were "sworn to protect the people, not a usurper who hides while you watch them kill your brothers." Guaido has suggested a general strike as the next step to pressure Maduro, while US officials have said more sanctions are coming to choke off cash flow to Venezuela`s government. The United States has already imposed sanctions on state-run oil company PDVSA, the OPEC nation`s economic lifeblood. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump`s top national security aides discussed a range of possible steps to squeeze Maduro and give eventual economic support to Venezuela if he falls, a senior administration official said. The talks included sanctions, diplomacy and defence options, the official said, adding that there was "significant progress on defence matters" without providing details or saying whether any decisions had been made. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said US military action in Venezuela is possible but diplomatic and economic pressure are the preferred ways to oust Maduro. In an interview with Brazilian newspaper Folha published on Thursday, Guaido said he did not rule out a foreign military intervention to oust Maduro, but that it would be the "last option" after pressuring for a "free transition." Russia said on Thursday it had agreed to continue talks on Venezuela with the United States, while China called for a political settlement via dialogue.

Venezuela opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, facing arrest warrant, says he met with generals

&nbsp;Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday.

The meeting is likely to take place in Finland`s northern city of Rovaniemi on the sidelines of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting on May 6-7, reported TASS.

The development holds prominence as Russia and the US have taken diametrically opposed stands in Venezuela`s political crisis that was heightened after country`s opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a military uprising against<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj84beFrP_hAhUo7nMBHRJQDiIQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2JkaFDz6DVfgMDsVgcctlG"> President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Tuesday.

The two countries have traded warnings against interfering in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-says-attempted-coup-under-way-214775&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNuqzsq__hAhVG63MBHcapB7Y4FBAWMAV6BAgAEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XjbR71dZvPMMbXAtwcYkb"> Venezuela. </a>Pompeo released a statement urging Moscow to "cease support for Nicolas Maduro and join other nations, including the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere, who seek a better future for the Venezuelan people.

"In a telephonic conversation between the two top diplomats on Wednesday, Lavrov responded by saying that Washington`s interference in Venezuela`s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with "the most serious consequences," according to Sputnik.

Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January.

The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down.

Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation.

Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the US.

Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro.&nbsp;

Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday.

Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday. The meeting is likely to take place in Finland`s northern city of Rovaniemi on the sidelines of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting on May 6-7, reported TASS. The development holds prominence as Russia and the US have taken diametrically opposed stands in Venezuela`s political crisis that was heightened after country`s opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a military uprising against President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday. The two countries have traded warnings against interfering in Venezuela. Pompeo released a statement urging Moscow to "cease support for Nicolas Maduro and join other nations, including the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere, who seek a better future for the Venezuelan people. "In a telephonic conversation between the two top diplomats on Wednesday, Lavrov responded by saying that Washington`s interference in Venezuela`s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with "the most serious consequences," according to Sputnik. Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January. The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down. Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation. Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the US. Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro.

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Gravitas: Venezuelan crisis; is it a war for oil?

<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?

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