Venezuela in chaos in 'storm' of coup

vnexpress.net• May 1, 2019 14:13

Clashes between opposition supporters and the Venezuelan military took place after "interim president" Guaido called on soldiers to stage a coup.

Venezuelan opposition supporters clashed with troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro outside La Carlota air base in Caracas on Monday, after a group of soldiers sided with opposition leader Juan Guaido to overthrow the government.

Venezuelan National Guard armored vehicles were deployed on the streets of Caracas after Guaido posted a video calling for a military coup. The armored vehicle drove into a crowd of opposition protesters. "Now is the moment. The soldiers, patriots and brave men who support the constitution have answered our call," Guaido said.

Pro-Guaido soldiers take positions to target military forces loyal to Maduro. The government says it is facing a “small coup attempt” by “traitors in the military” and supported by right-wing opponents.

Venezuelan National Guardsmen responded with tear gas after being repelled by pro-Guaido soldiers with rifles. Following Guaido's appeal, President Maduro affirmed that the military remained "absolutely loyal" and announced "maximum mobilization of the masses to ensure the victory of peace".

A protester throws tear gas during clashes with troops.

An opposition supporter is treated after being hit by tear gas. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties in Venezuela to exercise maximum restraint to avoid violence and expressed his readiness to mediate.

Guaido with supporters in the capital Caracas. He is supported by the US and more than 50 other countries, while Russia, China and many other countries recognize Maduro as the legitimate president.

Photo: AFP, Reuters.