Opposition leader calls on supporters to return to streets

CARACAS, Venezuela

Momentum is growing for Venezuela’s opposition movement led by lawmaker Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests today, escalating pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

A defiant Maduro’s socialist government has called on its own loyalists to flood the streets waving flags to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution launched by the late Hugo Chavez.

The dueling demonstrations will play out amid a political standoff in its second week of heightened tensions – and with the potential to spark violent clashes between the opposition and security forces.

Associated Press