Venezuela's Juan Guaido calls for uprising but military loyal to Nicolas Maduro for now

SUMMARY

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Tuesday made his strongest call yet to the military to help him oust President Nicolas Maduro but there were no concrete signs of defection from the armed forces' leadership. Early on Tuesday, several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally in Caracas, and large anti-government protests in the streets turned violent. But by Tuesday afternoon an uneasy peace had returned and there was no indication that the opposition planned to take power through military force. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CNN that "as we understand it" Maduro had been ready to depart for socialist ally Cuba, but had been persuaded to stay by Russia, which has also been a steadfast supporter. Maduro did not make a formal speech on Tuesday but said on Twitter: "Nerves of steel! I call for maximum popular mobilization to assure the victory of peace. We will win!" He said he had spoken with military leaders and that they had shown him "their total loyalty."

By ReutersMay 1, 2019 7:40:44 AM IST (Published)

An injured demonstrator is assisted by others during clashes with government security forces in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An injured demonstrator arrives at a private hospital after clashes with government security forces in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A Venezuelan National Guard (GNB) vehicle ploughs into opposition demonstrators in Caracas, Venezuela in this still image taken from a video footage April 30, 2019. REUTERS/REUTERS TV

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country's rightful interim ruler, shakes hands with a military member near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Tear gas floats in the air near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

Tear gas floats in the air near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A military member aims a weapon near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

Military members react to tear gas, near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

People react to tear gas near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A military member throws a tear gas canister near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota", in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An anti-government protester gestures next to Venezuelan National Guard members, who joined a march, supporting opposition leader Juan Guaido in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

Venezuelan National Guard members join protesters in a march, showing their support for opposition leader Juan Guaido in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country's rightful interim ruler, walks with supporters in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Police officers stand outside the residence of the Chilean ambassador in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An opposition demonstrator throws back a tear gas canister on a street in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

Police officers exchange fire with people shooting from inside a building housing the transport ministry in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An opposition demonstrator with wounds gestures in front of a burning bus, while holding a rock, near the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase "La Carlota" in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

Military trucks partially block a highway in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins