Backed by military, Maduro hits back at rival

Caracas, January 25 

Backed by Venezuela’s military, President Nicolas Maduro went on the offensive against an opposition leader who declared himself interim President and his US supporters, setting up a potentially explosive struggle for power in the crisis-plagued South American nation.

Venezuela’s top military brass pledged their unwavering support to Maduro, delivering vows of loyalty before rows of green-uniformed officers on state television.

A half-dozen generals belonging largely to district commands and with direct control over thousands of troops joined Maduro in accusing Washington of meddling in Venezuela’s affairs and said they would uphold the socialist leader’s rule.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, a key Maduro ally, dismissed efforts to install a “de-facto parallel government” as tantamount to a coup. “It’s not a war between Venezuelans that will solve our problems,” he said. “It’s dialogue.” 

Guaido has said he needs the backing of three critical groups: The people, the international community and the military. While yesterday’s protest drew tens of thousands to the streets and over a dozen nations in the region are pledging support, the military’s backing is key.

Though many rank-and-file troops suffer the same hardships as countless other Venezuelans when it comes to meeting basic needs like feeding their families, Maduro has worked to cement their support with bonuses and other special benefits. — AFP

World awaits Guaido’s next move

• All eyes were on Guaido whose whereabouts have been a mystery since the 35-year-old was symbolically sworn in on Wednesday before supporters
• Speaking from an undisclosed place, he told Univision he would consider granting amnesty to Maduro and allies if they helped return Venezuela to democracy 

US seeks to cut off money for Maduro to aid oppn

• The US is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim President Guaido and to cut off money from isolated President Maduro, a top US official said 
• Although short on details, the announcement signals that the US is willing to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro’s government, which is struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown
• Such a move would strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of US and nations around the region