Venezuelans protest as Guaido declares history's 'greatest escalation'

Opposition supporters thronged the streets of Caracas and other cities on Saturday in protest against the regime of President Nicolas Maduro, as massive blackouts and the collapse of water supplies further exacerbated a growing political crisis.

The United States meanwhile stiffened its economic sanctions against the government, and one top US official on Saturday warned Venezuela's military that it must protect the rights of peaceful protesters.

Late Friday, opposition leader Juan Guaido -- who is supported in his claim to be the legitimate interim leader by around 50 nations -- called for a huge turnout in Caracas, announcing in a phone message to supporters the start of "the greatest escalation of pressure we have seen in our history."
He said in a speech in Houston that "the United States will continue to exert all diplomatic and economic pressure to bring about a peaceful transition to democracy."
He cautioned Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino in a separate tweet of his "constitutional responsibility to protect innocent civilians who are peacefully demonstrating," adding: "Do not let the Cubans or the 'colectivos' inflict violence against Venezuelan patriots."