Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro takes part in a military exercise in Valencia, Venezuela January 27, 2019. Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS
Reuters: As nations turn on Maduro, Venezuela leader parades with military
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army’s Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections.
Maduro, 56, is confronting an unprecedented challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president citing a fraudulent election. Guaido has won wide international support and offers amnesty to soldiers who join him.
On Sunday, Israel joined the countries backing the 35-year-old leader, and President Donald Trump’s administration said it had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as the country’s diplomatic representative in the United States. [L1N1ZR0BT]
Early on Sunday, alongside Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets, the Russian ordnance kicking up clouds of dust at the Fort of Paramacay, an armored vehicle base.
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WNU Editor: I am still surprised that opposition leader Juan Guaido has not been arrested.
More News On The Crisis In Venezuela
Venezuela's opposition leader says he's in talks with military officials to oust Maduro -- The Hill
Venezuela's power struggle turns to winning military favor -- Los Angeles Times
Maduro rejects call for elections amid mounting pressure -- France 24
Venezuela backtracks on expulsion of US diplomats -- FOX News/AP
Exiled Venezuelans yearn for home, but fear a long wait for change -- The Guardian
