Americans in Venezuela should keep a low profile, avoid anti-government protests and monitor local media amid a call by opposition leader Juan Guaido for the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro, the US Department of State said in a travel alert on Tuesday
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 30th April, 2019) Americans in Venezuela should keep a low profile, avoid anti-government protests and monitor local media amid a call by opposition leader Juan Guaido for the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro, the US Department of State said in a travel alert on Tuesday."Venezuela Alert: Demonstrations are scheduled to take place throughout Venezuela today, April 30, and may continue the following days," the alert said. "Consider sheltering in place if you are unable to depart Venezuela. Avoid large gatherings. Monitor local news media for updates."
Crowds began forming following a call by self-declared interim President Guaido for non-violent protests to oust Maduro, and received enthusiastic support from the Trump administration.
"Today, interim President Juan Guaido announced start of Operacion Libertad," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Twitter. "The US government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated."
The United States and 54 other nations, including many in Europe, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's leader.
Russia, China, Bolivia, Turkey and numerous other countries recognize Maduro as the only legitimate president of Venezuela.
Maduro has called Guaido a puppet of the United States and accused Washington of orchestrating a coup to effect a change in government in Venezuela and claim the country's resources.
Media organizations have characterized the situation in Venezuela as an attempted coup although US officials have avoided using the term.
