Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro claimed Tuesday the country’s military is sticking with him and vowed to crush what he called a coup attempt by U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Speaking hours after Mr. Guaido, standing beside armed soldiers at a Caracas military base, declared the beginning of the “final phase” to oust the president, Mr. Maduro claimed military leaders have assured him of their loyalty.
In a Twitter post, Mr. Maduro called for “the maximum popular mobilization to assure the victory of peace.”
The situation remains confused in the capital, amid reports of significant opposition protests in other parts of the country.
The Trump administration has already signaled its support for Mr. Guaido’s latest move, but Mr. Maduro’s leftist allies in the region, including Cuba and Bolivia, issued messages of support for the government.
Bolivian President Evo Morales on Tuesday urged Latin American governments “to condemn the coup d’etat in Venezuela and keep the violence from claiming innocent lives,” the Associated Press reported.
• David R. Sands can be reached at dsands@washingtontimes.com.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.
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