Vargas is part of the bedrock of support for the movement founded by Maduro's predecessor, deceased former president Hugo Chavez. Torrealba says it's the US and its sanctions - not Maduro - that has plunged Venezuela into a crippling economic crisis. "When the bombs start to all," Chavistas and the opposition alike "are going to have to unite to defend Venezuela," she said. Next to the palace is a huge roofed platform erected this week to accommodate a "permanent vigil" for Maduro. "No one can bring down President Maduro, let alone those terrorists," said Martinez, referring to the opposition and Washington.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 31, 2019 15:56 UTC