As the opposition campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro dramatically escalated,protests have broken out in slums,followed by military repression.
US President Donald Trump has launched a new push for democracy in Venezuela,and,for once,he enjoys support from governments in Europe and Latin America.
The Trump administration imposed sanctions Monday on the state-owned oil company of Venezuela,a potentially critical economic move.
The inability of world leaders to find common ground could set the scene for more violence as Venezuela plunges into a new chapter of political turmoil
Juan Guaido made his first public appearance since declaring himself president at a rally in Caracas,as Nicolas Maduro held a duelling press conference.
What seems clear is that Venezuela is in a political stalemate that will test the resolve of the international community.
The United States and Venezuela were locked in a tense international standoff,as the Trump administration kept its embassy staff in the country despite an official order to eject them.
Backed by hundreds of thousands of protesters and the support of the US,Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido has declared himself interim president.
Vice-President Mike Pence offered the most explicit backing yet by the Trump administration as opposition leaders try to unseat Maduro.