The Venezuelan government promises to defeat latest coup attempt

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The Venezuelan government said it is putting down a small coup attempt by military "traitors" working with the opposition.

Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez on Twitter called on Venezuelan citizens to remain on high alert, and side with the "glorious Bolivarian National armed forces, to defeat the coup attempt and preserve the peace."

"We will win," he wrote in Spanish.

Venezuelan opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez stands near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela, April 30, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for a military uprising, saying he has begun the "final phase" of his plan to oust embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

In a three-minute video posted on his Twitter account, the 35-year-old lawmaker said soldiers who took the streets would be acting to protect Venezuela's constitution.

"The moment is now," said Guaido, who shot the video at a Caracas airbase surrounded by soldiers and accompanied by detained activist and mentor, Leopoldo Lopez.

Tear gas was deployed outside La Carlota air force base.

Guaido, leader of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, triggering a power struggle with Maduro.

World reactions

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in an email that U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed and the U.S. is monitoring the ongoing situation.

Spain said that it didn't support any military coup in Venezuela.

"We... have no doubt that the solution for Venezuela has to come hand in hand with elections, Spain does not support any military coup," Isabel Celaa, spokeswoman for Spain's acting government, said.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido talks with a military member near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota" in Caracas, Venezuela, April 30, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Miguel Diaz-Canel, president of Cuba and a key ally of Maduro's government, said he rejects the "coup movement" in Venezuela.

Bolivian President Evo Morales "vigorously" condemned the "attempted coup in Venezuela by the right-wing that is beholden to foreign interests", saying that he was sure that "the brave Bolivarian Revolution led by brother Nicolas Maduro will beat this new attack".

A European Commission spokeswoman said it was following developments but declined to comment on the fast-developing situation beyond repeating the bloc's long-standing call for "political and peaceful solution" and "free and fair elections".

Venezuela's government announced on Monday two marches to counter protests Guaido have been planned. The street demonstrations in favor of Maduro will be launched on Labor Day – May 1, and Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Cover: People react to tear gas near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela, April 30, 2019. /Reuters Photo )

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