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Venezuela opposition leader claims coup is under way – live news Venezuela opposition leader claims coup is under way – live news
(30 minutes later)
This update from Joe Parkin Daniels in Bogotá:
Venezuelan military defectors who declared their support for Guaidó after crossing into neighbouring Colombia are now preparing to move back into Venezuela to support the uprising.
Two ex-soldiers in the Colombian border city Cúcuta told the Guardian that they were currently en route to the Tienditas bridge separating the countries.
“We are waiting for our orders from our president, Juan Guaidó,” said one sergeant who defected to Guaidó after crossing the border in late March.
Around 1000 Venezuelan soldiers, national guardsmen, and other security officials have crossed into Colombia over the last two months, according to Colombian migration officials.
He hasn’t tweeted about it yet, but Donald Trump is keeping an eye on Venezuela, Reuters reports.
“The president has been briefed and we are monitoring the ongoing situation,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in an email.
Venezuela’s ambassador to Spain, Mario Isea, has told the Spanish news agency Efe that the situation in Venezuela is under control:
The information I have is that there’s a small group who have tried to undermine order but things are under control.
This is from Patricia Torres, who reports for the Guardian from Venezuela:
I was in the middle of our morning routine when I heard a cacerolazo [people banging pots and bangs - a common form of protest in Venezuela and across Latin America] but when I was leaving the house, my neighbours told me ‘Don’t go because they took La Carlota [military base]’.
I looked out the window and could see children going back home from the school next door … people were doing a cacerolazo. I just spoke to my father who lives near La Carlota and he said he’d heard some loud bangs from there.
Spain’s El Mundo has video footage of clashes near the La Carlota military base:
Primeras imágenes de tensión y enfrentamientos en Venezuela. Han sido grabadas en los alrededores de la base militar de La Carlota. Allí compareció Juan Guaidó para anunciar que Leopoldo López había sido liberado del arresto domiciliario por militares opuestos a Maduro. pic.twitter.com/mbTn7ISba0
Luis Almagro, secretary-general of the Organisation of American States (OEA), has tweeted his support.
We welcome the adhesion of the military to the Constitution and to the President in charge of #Venezuela @jguaido. The fullest support for the democratic transition process is needed in a peaceful manner
Saludamos adhesión de militares a la Constitución y al Presidente encargado de #Venezuela @jguaido. Es necesario el más pleno respaldo al proceso de transición democrática de forma pacífica. #OEAconVzla https://t.co/2fnCtClFIe
Meaning at least some portion of Venezuela's intelligence service may have switched sides... https://t.co/t1DOHwnqKLMeaning at least some portion of Venezuela's intelligence service may have switched sides... https://t.co/t1DOHwnqKL
Spain’s caretaker government has called for a bloodless and peaceful transition to a democratic presidential election in Venezuela.Spain’s caretaker government has called for a bloodless and peaceful transition to a democratic presidential election in Venezuela.
Government spokeswoman Isabel Celaá says the government is following closely developments in Caracas, where the opposition has called for Venezuelans to take to the streets to oust Nicolás Maduro from power.Government spokeswoman Isabel Celaá says the government is following closely developments in Caracas, where the opposition has called for Venezuelans to take to the streets to oust Nicolás Maduro from power.
“We hope with all of our strength that there is no bloodshed. We support a peaceful democratic process in Venezuela. We support the immediate holding of an election for a new president,” Celaá said on Tuesday during a weekly routine press briefing.“We hope with all of our strength that there is no bloodshed. We support a peaceful democratic process in Venezuela. We support the immediate holding of an election for a new president,” Celaá said on Tuesday during a weekly routine press briefing.
Spain has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela but has not cut ties with Maduro’s government.Spain has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela but has not cut ties with Maduro’s government.
More than 177,000 Spaniards live in Venezuela, and Spain has become a destination for thousands of Venezuelans escaping the political and economic crisis in recent years.More than 177,000 Spaniards live in Venezuela, and Spain has become a destination for thousands of Venezuelans escaping the political and economic crisis in recent years.
Celaá said Guaidó has “legitimacy to lead democratic transition in Venezuela.”Celaá said Guaidó has “legitimacy to lead democratic transition in Venezuela.”
She added: “Guaidó represents the alternative.”She added: “Guaidó represents the alternative.”
(Via AP)(Via AP)
Vladimir Padrino, head of the Venezuelan military, says on Twitter that the armed forces are staying loyal to Maduro. He’s also hitting out at the “cowards” and “traitors” behind the coup.Vladimir Padrino, head of the Venezuelan military, says on Twitter that the armed forces are staying loyal to Maduro. He’s also hitting out at the “cowards” and “traitors” behind the coup.
The armed forces remain firm in their defence of the national constitution and the legitimate authorities. All military units deployed in the eight defence regions report things are normal in the barracks and military bases, which are under the command of their local commanders.The armed forces remain firm in their defence of the national constitution and the legitimate authorities. All military units deployed in the eight defence regions report things are normal in the barracks and military bases, which are under the command of their local commanders.
We reject this coup movement, which seeks to fill our country with violence. The pseudo-leaders at the head of this subversive movement are using troops and police officers armed with combat weapons on the streets of the city to stir up anxiety and terror.We reject this coup movement, which seeks to fill our country with violence. The pseudo-leaders at the head of this subversive movement are using troops and police officers armed with combat weapons on the streets of the city to stir up anxiety and terror.
You’re a bunch of cowards! We will remain firm in the defence of constitutional order and the peace of the republic, backed up by law, history and what is right. Ever loyal, never traitors!You’re a bunch of cowards! We will remain firm in the defence of constitutional order and the peace of the republic, backed up by law, history and what is right. Ever loyal, never traitors!
This from our Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips:This from our Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips:
By coincidence, the son of Brazil’s far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro - one of Juan Guaidó’s key regional backers - is up on Brazil’s border with Venezuela this week.By coincidence, the son of Brazil’s far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro - one of Juan Guaidó’s key regional backers - is up on Brazil’s border with Venezuela this week.
Politician Eduardo Bolsonaro - who many seee as Brazil’s parallel foreign minister - has taken a group of lawmakers to Roraima state to see up close the plight of Venezuelan refugees in the regionPolitician Eduardo Bolsonaro - who many seee as Brazil’s parallel foreign minister - has taken a group of lawmakers to Roraima state to see up close the plight of Venezuelan refugees in the region
Hoje em Roraima visitamos: hospitais estaduais e municipais c/ o gov. estadual e municipal . Dia que nos deixou mais próximos do caos que a narcoditadura de @nicolasmaduro faz na Venezuela e causa a atual crise migratória. pic.twitter.com/KP1q1AWrvrHoje em Roraima visitamos: hospitais estaduais e municipais c/ o gov. estadual e municipal . Dia que nos deixou mais próximos do caos que a narcoditadura de @nicolasmaduro faz na Venezuela e causa a atual crise migratória. pic.twitter.com/KP1q1AWrvr
There were sporadic efforts with tear gas to break up the protesters who gathered on a highway overpass in wealthier eastern Caracas. It appeared to have been fired from inside the Carlota air base. But more people gathered as they sensed what could be their strongest opportunity yet to overthrow the government.There were sporadic efforts with tear gas to break up the protesters who gathered on a highway overpass in wealthier eastern Caracas. It appeared to have been fired from inside the Carlota air base. But more people gathered as they sensed what could be their strongest opportunity yet to overthrow the government.
“It’s now or never,” said one of the young soldiers, his face covered in the blue bandanna preferred by the few dozen soldiers who stood alongside Guaidó and López.“It’s now or never,” said one of the young soldiers, his face covered in the blue bandanna preferred by the few dozen soldiers who stood alongside Guaidó and López.
(Via AP)(Via AP)
Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales, has tweeted his full-throated condemnation of today’s events:Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales, has tweeted his full-throated condemnation of today’s events:
We forcefully condemn the attempted coup d’état in Venezuela, which is being conducted by the right and backed by foreign interests. But we are sure that the brave Bolivarian Revolution of our brother Nicolas Maduro will reassert itself after this new imperial attack.We forcefully condemn the attempted coup d’état in Venezuela, which is being conducted by the right and backed by foreign interests. But we are sure that the brave Bolivarian Revolution of our brother Nicolas Maduro will reassert itself after this new imperial attack.
The US, with its meddling and coup-waging, looks to wreak violence and death in Venezuela, caring only about its interests and nothing about the human losses. We must be united on our guard so that the coup-perpetrators never return to our region.The US, with its meddling and coup-waging, looks to wreak violence and death in Venezuela, caring only about its interests and nothing about the human losses. We must be united on our guard so that the coup-perpetrators never return to our region.
This is from López himself:This is from López himself:
The definitive phase towards the end of the usurpation has begun, Operation Freedom. I’ve been freed by soldiers following the constitution and President Guaidó. I’m at the La Carlota base. Let’s all mobilise. It’s time to win Freedom. Stength and Faith.The definitive phase towards the end of the usurpation has begun, Operation Freedom. I’ve been freed by soldiers following the constitution and President Guaidó. I’m at the La Carlota base. Let’s all mobilise. It’s time to win Freedom. Stength and Faith.
Venezuela: ha iniciado la fase definitiva para el cese de la usurpación, la Operación Libertad. He sido liberado por militares a la orden de la Constitución y del Presidente Guaidó. Estoy en la Base La Carlota. Todos a movilizarnos. Es hora de conquistar la Libertad. Fuerza y Fe pic.twitter.com/Awm6P09ZM0Venezuela: ha iniciado la fase definitiva para el cese de la usurpación, la Operación Libertad. He sido liberado por militares a la orden de la Constitución y del Presidente Guaidó. Estoy en la Base La Carlota. Todos a movilizarnos. Es hora de conquistar la Libertad. Fuerza y Fe pic.twitter.com/Awm6P09ZM0
Venezuela’s socialist party boss, Diosdado Cabello, has called on government supporters to amass at the presidential palace to defend Nicolás Maduro from what he says is a small uprising of traitorous military soldiers backed by the US.Venezuela’s socialist party boss, Diosdado Cabello, has called on government supporters to amass at the presidential palace to defend Nicolás Maduro from what he says is a small uprising of traitorous military soldiers backed by the US.
His comments in a phone call to state TV came after opposition leader Juan Guaidó appeared in a video with a small contingent of heavily armed soldiers and formerly detained opposition activist Leopoldo López calling for Venezuelans to take to the streets to oust Maduro.His comments in a phone call to state TV came after opposition leader Juan Guaidó appeared in a video with a small contingent of heavily armed soldiers and formerly detained opposition activist Leopoldo López calling for Venezuelans to take to the streets to oust Maduro.
Cabello downplayed the significance of the rebellion, saying Caracas is in calm and that the Carlota air base near where the rebellious soldiers are gathered had not been touched. (Via AP)Cabello downplayed the significance of the rebellion, saying Caracas is in calm and that the Carlota air base near where the rebellious soldiers are gathered had not been touched. (Via AP)
A useful piece here on who Leopoldo López is and why he’s such an important figure:
Leopoldo López has been under house arrest since 2017, but he played a key role in Juan Guaidó’s sudden ascent from the political margin to Venezuela’s would-be president.
It was López who ensured Guaidó would lead the national assembly when Maduro began his second term in early January, placing his man at the centre of a geopolitical storm when the US and a host of other democracies recognised him as the country’s legitimate president.
Leopoldo López: scion of Venezuelan elite dedicated to burying Chavismo
This from Antonio Tajani, the president of the European parliament:
Today marks a historic day for the return of democracy and freedom to Venezuela - which the European parliament has always supported. The freeing of Leopold López by soldiers obeying the constitution is great news. Long live a free Venezuela!
Our Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, has just tweeted this:
Still not clear what is going on in Venezuela this morning but this is an all-or-nothing move from Guaidó & his team. No way to back track from an attempt to seize a key military installation right at the heart of the capital.
More from AP:
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó has taken to the streets with a small contingent of heavily-armed soldiers and detained activist Leopoldo López in a military uprising.
“This is the moment of all Venezuelans, those in uniform and those who aren’t,” said López in his first public appearance since being detained in 2014 for leading anti-government protests. “Everyone should come to the streets, in peace.”
The Associated Press (AP) is reporting that Leopoldo López, the opposition politician who is meant to be under house arrest, has been freed by military - which explains his presence next to Guaidó.
US Senator Marco Rubio, who has been instrumental in shaping Trump’s Venezuela policy, is on Twitter, urging Venezuelan military personeel and civilians to rise up:
This is the moment for those military officers in #Venezuela to fulfill their constitutional oath & defend the legitimate interim President @jguaido in this effort to restore democracy. You can write history in the hours & days ahead.
After years of suffering freedom is waiting for people of #Venezuela. Do not let them take this opportunity from you. Now is the moment to take to the streets in support of your legitimate constitutional government. Do not allow this moment to slip away. It may not come again
This just in from the Associated Press:
Tear gas fired on highway near Caracas air base where opposition leader Guaidó has appeared with soldiers.
Venezuela’s information minister, Jorge Rodríguez, has just tweeted this:
We inform the Venezuelan people that we are currently tackling and putting down a small group of traitorous military personnel who … are engaged in a coup d’état against the constitution and the peace of the republic. This effort is being backed by the murderous, coup-plotting extreme right, which announced its violent plans months ago. We call on the people to remain on maximum alert so that, together with the glorious national Bolivarian armed forces, we can defeat the attempted coup and preserve the peace. We will prevail.
My colleague Emma Graham-Harrison has written a piece on the breaking story:
In a possible sign that Guaidó can only count on the support of a portion of the military, he called on Venezuelans to come out into the streets in a show of non-violent force.
‘People of Venezuela, its necessary that we all go out into the streets, to support democracy and recover our liberty. Organised and united, we should move to the main military installations,’ he said, calling on those in the capital to head to the air base where he made the recording. ‘People of Caracas, everyone to La Carlota.
‘The armed forces have taken the correct decision, they can count on the support of the people of Venezuela, the support of our constitution, the guarantee that they are on the right side of history,’ he said in a statement on Twitter.
Welcome to the Guardian’s liveblog of what could be a momentous day in Venezuela. The opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, has appeared in a video posted online to launch what he called the “final phase” of his plan to oust President Nicolás Maduro.
In the video, posted on his Twitter account, Guaidó called on Venezuelans and the military to support his bid to end Maduro’s “usurpation”.
He was speaking in the company of men in military uniform and opposition politician Leopoldo López, who is supposedly under house arrest. He said he was at the Caracas air base La Carlota.
“The national armed forces have taken the correct decision, and they count on the support of the Venezuelan people,” Guaido said.
En el marco de nuestra constitución. Y por el cese definitivo de la usurpación. https://t.co/3RD2bnQhxt