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Venezuela opposition leader claims coup is under way – live news Venezuela opposition leader claims coup is under way – live news
(32 minutes later)
This is far from being the first threat to Venezuela’s leadership – its actually something that has happened repeatedly since Hugo Chávez became president in 1999 and has continued since Nicolás Maduro came to power. Patricia Torres is in Caracas, reporting for the Guardian at a Guaidó rally.
A young demonstrator, Victor Zabala, has rubber bullet injuries across his back and arms. The 25-year-old said he was shot at by the National Guard while helping get people away from the highway near Plaza Altamira.
Zabala accused the National Guard of not just shooting rubber bullets, but of shooting actual gunfire at protestors.
The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, just spoke with Guaidó’s representative in Mexico, Reinaldo Díaz Ohep, outside the Venezuelan embassy where a large protest is underway.
“We are very happy. This is a definite process,” Díaz says.
“This is an unprecedented [push] ... to end the dictatorship ... We are closer than ever before.”
“Today represents our country’s liberation. It represents [the end of] 20 years of the same party, the same trends, which have led our country into the greatest economic crisis and the greatest migration crisis in Latin America.”Díaz said his message to Maduro was: “Get out, while you still can. Get out, accept the amnesty... We don’t want Nicolas Maduro in power any more.”
If Maduro did not respond to those calls to stand aside there was a risk of bloodshed and violence. “Get on a flight and go,” he said.
Today’s events are not the first time Venezuela’s leadership has been challenged – it’s actually something that has happened repeatedly since Hugo Chávez became president in 1999 and has continued since Nicolás Maduro came to power.
The Washington Post has a timeline of previous attempts by security forces to topple their respective governments:The Washington Post has a timeline of previous attempts by security forces to topple their respective governments:
A few have been small-scale efforts — such as a June 2017 incident in which a former police officer tossed grenades from a helicopter at government buildings and a bizarre event in August 2018 in which two drones carrying explosives detonated near a platform where Maduro was giving a speech. Others were more complex.A few have been small-scale efforts — such as a June 2017 incident in which a former police officer tossed grenades from a helicopter at government buildings and a bizarre event in August 2018 in which two drones carrying explosives detonated near a platform where Maduro was giving a speech. Others were more complex.
Maduro has been wary of a military uprising as his oil-rich country has slid into economic chaos. Both he and Chávez have tried to control the powerful armed forces by elevating hundreds of officers to the rank of general and providing senior officers with lucrative perks, including roles in running military businesses. Surveillance of officers is also said to be intense.Maduro has been wary of a military uprising as his oil-rich country has slid into economic chaos. Both he and Chávez have tried to control the powerful armed forces by elevating hundreds of officers to the rank of general and providing senior officers with lucrative perks, including roles in running military businesses. Surveillance of officers is also said to be intense.
Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, spoke with the deputy director of programs for the International Rescue Committee (IRC).Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, spoke with the deputy director of programs for the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Josh Balser, deputy director ofPPrograms for the International Rescue Committee, said the charity was currently seeing an increase in the number of people crossing into Colombia from Venezuela.Josh Balser, deputy director ofPPrograms for the International Rescue Committee, said the charity was currently seeing an increase in the number of people crossing into Colombia from Venezuela.
“At this point, there’s a lot of people coming in and it’s generally peaceful,” he said. “The co-ordination mechanisms are revising their contingency planning to make sure that any response for increased population figures is adequate to meet the need. We’re waiting to hear on more official news. But so far, no major alarms.”“At this point, there’s a lot of people coming in and it’s generally peaceful,” he said. “The co-ordination mechanisms are revising their contingency planning to make sure that any response for increased population figures is adequate to meet the need. We’re waiting to hear on more official news. But so far, no major alarms.”
Balser, who is en route to the Colombian border city of Cúcuta, said that around 5,000 people a a day were estimated to be entering Colombia each day “with the intention to stay”.Balser, who is en route to the Colombian border city of Cúcuta, said that around 5,000 people a a day were estimated to be entering Colombia each day “with the intention to stay”.
Venezuelan journalist Luz Mel Reyes, who co-founded Efecto Cocuyo, is reporting that Guaidó had planned “Operación Libertad,” for another day.Venezuelan journalist Luz Mel Reyes, who co-founded Efecto Cocuyo, is reporting that Guaidó had planned “Operación Libertad,” for another day.
Other shocking information in Mely Reyes’s tweet includes a claim that the protest was brought forward because the government was about to arrest Guaidó and that he had at one point had more support from the military.Other shocking information in Mely Reyes’s tweet includes a claim that the protest was brought forward because the government was about to arrest Guaidó and that he had at one point had more support from the military.
One of Venezuela’s best journalists reporting that today’s action was planned for another day, and had strong military support - but they had to bring it forward because Guaido’s arrest was imminent, and then the military backed out https://t.co/65PLT8tbLZOne of Venezuela’s best journalists reporting that today’s action was planned for another day, and had strong military support - but they had to bring it forward because Guaido’s arrest was imminent, and then the military backed out https://t.co/65PLT8tbLZ
Outside the Venezuela embassy in Washington DC, crowds have gathered in support and against Maduro’s rule.Outside the Venezuela embassy in Washington DC, crowds have gathered in support and against Maduro’s rule.
The group of Maduro supporters is decidedly outnumbered by his opponents. The supporters carry signs made by the Answer Coalition, a group that opposes US intervention abroad.The group of Maduro supporters is decidedly outnumbered by his opponents. The supporters carry signs made by the Answer Coalition, a group that opposes US intervention abroad.
They chanted “Chávez lives, the fight continues.”They chanted “Chávez lives, the fight continues.”
Tense arguments outside the Venezuelan embassy between anti US interventionists and pro opposition ppl. Antiwar organizers protecting the embassy from a raid by the opposition say people have been trying to break in. Secret service are stationed outside, they won’t say why. pic.twitter.com/Npu1GHqaP0Tense arguments outside the Venezuelan embassy between anti US interventionists and pro opposition ppl. Antiwar organizers protecting the embassy from a raid by the opposition say people have been trying to break in. Secret service are stationed outside, they won’t say why. pic.twitter.com/Npu1GHqaP0
Dan Collyns sends updates from Lima, Peru, where regional leaders have declared support for Guaidó.Dan Collyns sends updates from Lima, Peru, where regional leaders have declared support for Guaidó.
Ecuador’s foreign minister José Valencia, tweeted:Ecuador’s foreign minister José Valencia, tweeted:
“The government of Ecuador renews its firm support of president Juan Guaidó in the difficult times which Venezuela is living. We hope for a peaceful transition without bloodshed. We support all international efforts in that respect.”“The government of Ecuador renews its firm support of president Juan Guaidó in the difficult times which Venezuela is living. We hope for a peaceful transition without bloodshed. We support all international efforts in that respect.”
El gobierno de Ecuador renueva su firme respaldo al presidente Juan Guaidó en los momentos difíciles que vive Venezuela. Auguramos una salida de transición, en paz y sin derramamiento de sangre. Apoyaremos todo esfuerzo internacional en ese sentido.El gobierno de Ecuador renueva su firme respaldo al presidente Juan Guaidó en los momentos difíciles que vive Venezuela. Auguramos una salida de transición, en paz y sin derramamiento de sangre. Apoyaremos todo esfuerzo internacional en ese sentido.
And Peru’s foreign ministry voiced its support for Juan Guaidó:And Peru’s foreign ministry voiced its support for Juan Guaidó:
“We fully support the interim president Juan Guaidó in his fight to regain democracy in Venezuela. Maduro’s usurping and dictatorial regime of must come to its end.”“We fully support the interim president Juan Guaidó in his fight to regain democracy in Venezuela. Maduro’s usurping and dictatorial regime of must come to its end.”
Respaldamos plenamente al presidente interino @jguaido en su lucha por recuperar la democracia en Venezuela. El régimen usurpador y dictatorial de Maduro debe llegar a su fin.Respaldamos plenamente al presidente interino @jguaido en su lucha por recuperar la democracia en Venezuela. El régimen usurpador y dictatorial de Maduro debe llegar a su fin.
“Peru and the Lima Group is closely following the situation in Venezuela with a view to convening an emergency meeting.”“Peru and the Lima Group is closely following the situation in Venezuela with a view to convening an emergency meeting.”
Peru leads the Lima Group of 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries which do not recognise Nicolas Maduro’s government and has called for him to step down. The countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru. Guyana and Saint Lucia joined later.Peru leads the Lima Group of 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries which do not recognise Nicolas Maduro’s government and has called for him to step down. The countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru. Guyana and Saint Lucia joined later.
Brazil president, Jair Bolsonaro, tweeted that Brazil is following the situation in Venezuela very closely and reaffirms its support for the “democratic transition”.Brazil president, Jair Bolsonaro, tweeted that Brazil is following the situation in Venezuela very closely and reaffirms its support for the “democratic transition”.
“Brazil is on the side of the Venezuelan people, of president Juan Guaidó and of the freedom of Venezuelans,” he said.“Brazil is on the side of the Venezuelan people, of president Juan Guaidó and of the freedom of Venezuelans,” he said.
O Brasil acompanha com bastante atenção a situação na Venezuela e reafirma o seu apoio na transição democrática que se processa no país vizinho. O Brasil está ao lado do povo da Venezuela, do presidente Juan Guaidó e da liberdade dos venezuelanos.O Brasil acompanha com bastante atenção a situação na Venezuela e reafirma o seu apoio na transição democrática que se processa no país vizinho. O Brasil está ao lado do povo da Venezuela, do presidente Juan Guaidó e da liberdade dos venezuelanos.
President Bolsonaro’s congressman son Eduardo, who heads the Congress foreign affairs committee and is in frontier state Roraima, blamed Hezbollah and Cuban soldiers for helping Maduro in power in a tweet and said he hopes he falls.President Bolsonaro’s congressman son Eduardo, who heads the Congress foreign affairs committee and is in frontier state Roraima, blamed Hezbollah and Cuban soldiers for helping Maduro in power in a tweet and said he hopes he falls.
“Hoping that @NicolasMaduro leaves power any way possible. The worst that could happen is he stays in power with support from the drug trade, Hezbollah, Pranes, soldiers of the Cuban dictatorship and all sorts of criminals. God protect the Venezuelans,” he posted.“Hoping that @NicolasMaduro leaves power any way possible. The worst that could happen is he stays in power with support from the drug trade, Hezbollah, Pranes, soldiers of the Cuban dictatorship and all sorts of criminals. God protect the Venezuelans,” he posted.
Earlier Tuesday broadcast a Facebook live from a car travelling to Pacaraima on the border with fellow lawmakers. Last night another Facebook Live broadcast complaints from Venezuelans in a camp in the Roraiama state capital Boa Vista.Earlier Tuesday broadcast a Facebook live from a car travelling to Pacaraima on the border with fellow lawmakers. Last night another Facebook Live broadcast complaints from Venezuelans in a camp in the Roraiama state capital Boa Vista.
Senior editor at the Economist, Michael Reid, compares the brutal moment when government security forces rammed into demonstrators in Caracas to the moment a demonstrator in China stood up to the government in the 1989 Tianamen Square protests.Senior editor at the Economist, Michael Reid, compares the brutal moment when government security forces rammed into demonstrators in Caracas to the moment a demonstrator in China stood up to the government in the 1989 Tianamen Square protests.
Venezuela's Tiananmen Square moment... https://t.co/lKvNHHoWUbVenezuela's Tiananmen Square moment... https://t.co/lKvNHHoWUb
As has Alberto Rojas, a reporter at El Mundo:As has Alberto Rojas, a reporter at El Mundo:
Tiananmen en Caracas https://t.co/ftROz2DwaqTiananmen en Caracas https://t.co/ftROz2Dwaq
A video update from Venezuela, where gunshots were heard at a rally led by opposition leader Juan Guaidó outside a Caracas airbase.A video update from Venezuela, where gunshots were heard at a rally led by opposition leader Juan Guaidó outside a Caracas airbase.
Reuters witnesses said men in military uniform who were accompanying Guaidó at the scene, were exchanging fire with soldiers acting in support of Maduro. The witnesses said the shots appeared to be live roundsReuters witnesses said men in military uniform who were accompanying Guaidó at the scene, were exchanging fire with soldiers acting in support of Maduro. The witnesses said the shots appeared to be live rounds
United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has urged maximum restraint in Venezuela to avoid violence, a UN spokesman told reporters. Guterres is also available to mediate, said the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has urged maximum restraint in Venezuela to avoid violence, a UN spokesman told reporters. Guterres is also available to mediate, said the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.
“The secretary general urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and he appeals to all stakeholders to avoid any violence and take immediate steps to restore calm,” Dujarric said.“The secretary general urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and he appeals to all stakeholders to avoid any violence and take immediate steps to restore calm,” Dujarric said.
Venezuela’s defense minister, Vladimir Padrino, said “acts of violence” by some members of the armed forces had been “partly defeated” in an address broadcast on state television.Venezuela’s defense minister, Vladimir Padrino, said “acts of violence” by some members of the armed forces had been “partly defeated” in an address broadcast on state television.
He added that the military’s top ranks remained “loyal to the constitution.”He added that the military’s top ranks remained “loyal to the constitution.”
And the country’s foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, has tweeted at US vice president Mike Pence, calling him the “head of the attempted coup d’etat.”And the country’s foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, has tweeted at US vice president Mike Pence, calling him the “head of the attempted coup d’etat.”
.@VP Pence is fulfilling his role as head of the attempted coup d’état. In the name of God he calls for violence and death. Is this what a good Christian does? The people of Venezuela and its Bolivarian Armed Force are the guarantors of peace and respect for the Constitution.@VP Pence is fulfilling his role as head of the attempted coup d’état. In the name of God he calls for violence and death. Is this what a good Christian does? The people of Venezuela and its Bolivarian Armed Force are the guarantors of peace and respect for the Constitution
Opposition leaders have called for support at Venezuelan embassies across the country. One of those protests is underway in Mexico City:Opposition leaders have called for support at Venezuelan embassies across the country. One of those protests is underway in Mexico City:
Protesters starting to gather outside Venezuelan embassy in Mexico City after today’s uprising back home pic.twitter.com/RWeVUd0idKProtesters starting to gather outside Venezuelan embassy in Mexico City after today’s uprising back home pic.twitter.com/RWeVUd0idK
They are shouting “Guaidó, amigo, the people are with you” and “Maduro, get fucked.”They are shouting “Guaidó, amigo, the people are with you” and “Maduro, get fucked.”
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday accused the opposition in Venezuela of resorting to violence in what it said was a brazen attempt to draw the country’s armed forces into clashes, according to Reuters:Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday accused the opposition in Venezuela of resorting to violence in what it said was a brazen attempt to draw the country’s armed forces into clashes, according to Reuters:
Russia, which has supplied weapons to Venezuela and acted as a lender of last resort, has accused the United States of trying to undermine Maduro, someone Moscow counts as one of its closest allies in Latin America.Russia, which has supplied weapons to Venezuela and acted as a lender of last resort, has accused the United States of trying to undermine Maduro, someone Moscow counts as one of its closest allies in Latin America.
“The radical opposition in Venezuela has once again returned to violent methods of confrontation,” the foreign ministry said. “Instead of peacefully settling political differences, they have taken a course designed to whip up conflict, and provoke breaches of public order and clashes involving the armed forces.”“The radical opposition in Venezuela has once again returned to violent methods of confrontation,” the foreign ministry said. “Instead of peacefully settling political differences, they have taken a course designed to whip up conflict, and provoke breaches of public order and clashes involving the armed forces.”
The ministry called on the opposition to renounce violence and embrace negotiations instead, saying it was vital to avoid bloodshed.The ministry called on the opposition to renounce violence and embrace negotiations instead, saying it was vital to avoid bloodshed.
President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Venezuela at a meeting of his Security Council earlier on Tuesday.President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Venezuela at a meeting of his Security Council earlier on Tuesday.
Russia has sent nearly 100 military personnel to Caracas, a contingent the Kremlin has described as military specialists. Russian news agencies cited the Russian embassy in Venezuela on Tuesday as saying the Russian personnel were not involved in the clashes between the opposition and the authorities.Russia has sent nearly 100 military personnel to Caracas, a contingent the Kremlin has described as military specialists. Russian news agencies cited the Russian embassy in Venezuela on Tuesday as saying the Russian personnel were not involved in the clashes between the opposition and the authorities.
Joe Parkin Daniels, writes for the Guardian about military defectors who have shown support for Juan Guaidó today .Joe Parkin Daniels, writes for the Guardian about military defectors who have shown support for Juan Guaidó today .
On Tuesday morning, scores of Venezuelan military defectors loyal to Guaidó gathered at the Simón Bolívar border bridge outside Cúcuta, Colombia, to express support for the nascent uprising taking place in Caracas.On Tuesday morning, scores of Venezuelan military defectors loyal to Guaidó gathered at the Simón Bolívar border bridge outside Cúcuta, Colombia, to express support for the nascent uprising taking place in Caracas.
The defectors were unarmed and chose not to wear uniforms “out of respect to Colombia” which is hosting them, one national guardsman said, asking not to be named due to the febrile nature of the situation. “We are awaiting orders from our president Juan Guaidó,” he said.The defectors were unarmed and chose not to wear uniforms “out of respect to Colombia” which is hosting them, one national guardsman said, asking not to be named due to the febrile nature of the situation. “We are awaiting orders from our president Juan Guaidó,” he said.
However, with little clear command structure on the border, and the location of the gathering changed from the nearby Tienditas bridge complex at the last minute, the group had largely dissipated hours later.However, with little clear command structure on the border, and the location of the gathering changed from the nearby Tienditas bridge complex at the last minute, the group had largely dissipated hours later.
A steady trickle of Venezuelan military defectors have arrived to the Colombian border city of Cúcuta since February 23, when Guaidó attempted in vein to force US-sent humanitarian aid into Venezuela. Colombian authorities estimate that up to 1000 of Venezuela’s security forces have defected.A steady trickle of Venezuelan military defectors have arrived to the Colombian border city of Cúcuta since February 23, when Guaidó attempted in vein to force US-sent humanitarian aid into Venezuela. Colombian authorities estimate that up to 1000 of Venezuela’s security forces have defected.
Many defectors dreamed of crossing back into Venezuela as an army, assisting with overthrowing Maduro’s government, though reality soon bit.Many defectors dreamed of crossing back into Venezuela as an army, assisting with overthrowing Maduro’s government, though reality soon bit.
“For a while we felt abandoned,” said Frank Rengifo, formerly a sergeant in Venezuela’s national guard. “We were staying in hotels but nobody paid the bills,” he went on to say, accusing Guaidó’s emissaries of forgetting about them for a time.“For a while we felt abandoned,” said Frank Rengifo, formerly a sergeant in Venezuela’s national guard. “We were staying in hotels but nobody paid the bills,” he went on to say, accusing Guaidó’s emissaries of forgetting about them for a time.
“Thankfully that was a month ago and it is better now,” he said. “We have better food and more of our families are here.”“Thankfully that was a month ago and it is better now,” he said. “We have better food and more of our families are here.”
Others recently complained that not enough was being done to assist militarily with regime change in Caracas.Others recently complained that not enough was being done to assist militarily with regime change in Caracas.
The defectors had also planned a march to Bogotá to demand better services earlier this month, but later cancelled it, worried that it could affect their protected status. Many of the soldiers currently have asylum applications underway, with which UNHCR is assisting.The defectors had also planned a march to Bogotá to demand better services earlier this month, but later cancelled it, worried that it could affect their protected status. Many of the soldiers currently have asylum applications underway, with which UNHCR is assisting.