Maduro rallies military as Venezuela opposition marches on bases
Updated 11:02, 06-May-2019
CGTN
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro urged his troops Saturday to be "ready" for potential U.S. military action, as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido marched on barracks in a new bid to win the armed forces' support.
Capping a week that saw a failed uprising led by the U.S.-backed Guaido, Maduro instructed the military "to be ready to defend the homeland with weapons in your hands if one day the U.S. empire dares to touch this territory, this sacred earth."
Underscoring the continued military support for his country, Maduro delivered his televised address from a base in northwestern Cojedes state, where he appeared alongside his defense minister, Vladimir Padrino, and in the presence of more than 5,000 troops.
The United States has refused to take the threat of military action off the table in its push to oust Maduro, although it so far has limited its campaign to ramping up sanctions.
Guaido's cause gained renewed support on Saturday from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who issued a video address to the Venezuelan people, telling them: "The time for transition is now."
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to the media at the State Department in Washington D.C., U.S., April 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to the media at the State Department in Washington D.C., U.S., April 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo

"You can hold your institutions, your military and their leaders to the highest standards and demand a return to democracy," Pompeo said in the message. "The United States stands firmly with you in your quest."
National Assembly head Guaido, 35, has branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial re-election last year, and in January declared himself acting president, plunging Venezuela into a political crisis that deepened its already grave economic woes.
But Maduro has held firm, bolstered by the continued support of the powerful armed forces.
"I told the generals and admirals yesterday: loyalty, I want an active loyalty... I trust you, but keep your eyes open, a handful of traitors cannot tarnish the honor, the unity, the cohesion and the image of the armed forces," the president said in his speech from the military base.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who some nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, speaks during a meeting of the Lima Group in Bogota, Colombia, February 25, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who some nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, speaks during a meeting of the Lima Group in Bogota, Colombia, February 25, 2019. /Reuters Photo

'No confrontation or provocation'
On Twitter, Guaido, recognized by some countries as Venezuela's interim president, urged his supporters to "mobilize in a civil and peaceful way" to their nearest military base, to persuade the armed forces to abandon Maduro and back a transitional government.
Turnout was low, though, in the hundreds rather than thousands.
In Barquisimeto in the northeast, the National Guard pushed back marchers with tear gas.
"The goal is to carry our message without falling into confrontation or provocation," added Guaido.
This protest came days after Guaido tried to incite a military insurrection that fizzled out, with a group of 25 rebel soldiers seeking refuge in the Brazilian embassy in Caracas.
The effort triggered two days of clashes between opposition supporters and government forces that left four people dead and hundreds injured.
The country's chief prosecutor Tarek William Saab said on Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought.
Venezuela's top court has also ordered the re-arrest of key opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, who was freed from house arrest by rebel soldiers before seeking refuge in the Spanish embassy.
Source(s): AFP