A coup attempt is underway in Venezuela today as opposition leader Juan Guaido and his supporters have flooded the streets in an effort to remove socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
Guaido announced Tuesday that “the start of the end of the usurpation” would begin Tuesday, beginning what has evolved into a mass uprising in Venezuela, CNN reported.
Numerous military personnel have defected and sided with Guaido, some even vowing to defend him to the death as they join together to remove Maduro.
#30Abr Otro grupo de funcionarios militares se unen en apoyo al presidente encargado @jguaido en el Distribuidor Altamira. #TVVenezuela #ENVIVO por: https://t.co/gGrv4KLF5U pic.twitter.com/8NKF4WxEX1
— TVVenezuela Noticias (@TVVnoticias) April 30, 2019
“The people of Venezuela initiated the end of the usurpation. At this moment I am meeting with the main military units of our Armed Forces, beginning the final phase of Operation Freedom,” Guaido tweeted.
En el marco de nuestra constitución. Y por el cese definitivo de la usurpación. https://t.co/3RD2bnQhxt
— Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) April 30, 2019
Gunshots and tear gas have already been fired in the area where Guaido and his supporters are organizing at the La Carlota airbase.
#Venezuela 🇻🇪: defected soldiers continue to hold the overpass at La Carlota, protecing protester and returning fire whenever pro-#Maduro forces attack. #30Abr #OperacionLibertad pic.twitter.com/hpIGb3V9sO
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) April 30, 2019
It’s not clear where the violence originated.
#Venezuela 🇻🇪: another video of protesters at La Carlota fleeing away from the gunfire of pro-#Maduro forces. #30Abr #OperacionLibertad pic.twitter.com/i1UvWpr0Dg
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) April 30, 2019
Many Venezuelans were seen marching in the streets, making their way to Guaido.
#Venezuela 🇻🇪: protesters marching through the streets of #Altamira (#Caracas) to join @jguaido at La Carlota airbase in what is now being described as the final stage of #OperaciónLibertad. #30Abr pic.twitter.com/hR7S9HEpVP
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) April 30, 2019
Maduro was inaugurated to his second term on Jan. 10 after Venezuelans boycotted the election. The outcome sparked protests and left Venezuelans and foreign governments calling Maduro’s re-election “fraudulent.”
Guaido became head of the opposition party, and with the support of those against Maduro, Guiado asserted himself as interim president. Since then, he has created a movement to denounce Maduro and seek his removal, a move that has the support of dozens of nations.
In January, President Donald Trump officially recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence were among those who expressed support for Guaido on Tuesday.
“Today interim President Juan Guaido announced start of Operación Libertad. The U.S. Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated,” Pompeo tweeted.
Today interim President Juan Guaido announced start of Operación Libertad. The U.S. Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated. #EstamosUnidosVE
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) April 30, 2019
“To @jguaido, the National Assembly and all the freedom-loving people of Venezuela who are taking to the streets today in #operacionlibertad—Estamos con ustedes! We are with you! America will stand with you until freedom & democracy are restored. Vayan con dios! #FreeVenezuela,” Pence tweeted.
To @jguaido, the National Assembly and all the freedom-loving people of Venezuela who are taking to the streets today in #operacionlibertad—Estamos con ustedes! We are with you! America will stand with you until freedom & democracy are restored. Vayan con dios! #FreeVenezuela
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 30, 2019
