In a video with troops, opposition leader Juan Guaidó urged others to join ‘Operation Liberty’ to oust Maduro.
By Mariana Zuñiga , Anthony Faiola and Anthony Faiola Correspondent covering Latin America, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, human rights, poverty, globalization and economics Email Bio Follow Terrence McCoy Terrence McCoy Reporter covering social issues Email Bio Follow April 30 at 9:57 PM BREAKING: .
● Video showed an armored vehicle plowing into a crowd of Guaidó supporters in Caracas. The White House posted the footage on Twitter and blamed the “Maduro regime.” Dozens of people were injured by rubber bullets, tear gas and live ammunition in melees across Venezuela, according to local observers and hospital officials. An armored vehicle ran into a cluster of Guaidó supporters. A group of hooded men in a pro-government militia — the feared colectivos — fired live ammunition into a crowd of protesters, witnesses said. And a colonel loyal to Maduro was shot in the neck, the defense minister said, but the extent of his injuries was unclear.
Guaidó urged other troops to join what he called the final stage of “Operation Liberty” to force Maduro from power. National security adviser John Bolton named officials who he said had been in secret talks with Guaidó, including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. In an apparent attempt to divide Maduro’s government, he called on Padrino and others to keep their “commitment” to help oust the president.
The clashes Tuesday followed weeks of tension in Venezuela. The oil-rich nation, once South America’s wealthiest, has been paralyzed by the political stalemate and a growing humanitarian crisis. Hyperinflation, rising crime, power outages, and shortages of medical supplies, food and water have reduced life for many to a daily struggle to survive. Millions have fled the country.
Hernando Perez was just getting to work in Caracas on Tuesday morning when he learned of Guaidó’s call to protest. He joined the opposition supporters. At La Carlota, Guaidó called for “nonviolent” action, but his actions posed perhaps the most significant challenge to Maduro since Guaidó invoked constitutional powers and declared himself interim president. His claim has been recognized by the United States and more than 50 other nations.
“If Guaidó and López fail to split the military and rally top brass to their cause, then a big question is what happens to them personally and to the opposition cause more broadly,” she said. “They could end up tonight in jail or worse. They are taking a huge leap today.”
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