Nicolas Maduro Claims Victory Over ‘Coup’ Attempt

Caracas: Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro claimed to have defeated what he called a “military coup” attempt by opposition leader Juan Guaido. Dozens of National Guardsmen sided with the opposition in clashes on Tuesday that injured more than 100 people, making it the most violent episode of the Venezuelan political crisis this year. In a defiant TV address later on Tuesday, Nicolas Maduro said Guaido, who declared himself interim President in January, had failed to turn the military against him, the BBC reported on Wednesday. Guaido, however, insists that Nicolas Maduro has lost control of the armed forces and that a peaceful transition is at hand. He appealed to his supporters to take to the streets of Venezuela again on Wednesday. He has been recognized as interim leader of Venezuela by more than 50 countries, including the US, the UK and most in Latin America. But Nicolas Maduro, backed by Russia, China and the top of the country’s military, has refused to cede leadership to his rival. (IANS)

Also Read: INTERNATIONAL