Guaido is recognized as president by the United States and most Western Hemisphere nations, presenting the biggest challenge to President Nicolas Maduro’s six-year rule. Russia has loaned and invested billions of dollars in Venezuela, and sources told Reuters private military contractors who do secret missions for Moscow were in Venezuela. Government supporters have also attended large rallies led by Maduro allies, while the president visited military bases including overseeing live-fire exercises in recent days. US Vice President Mike Pence met Guaido’s designated envoy to the United States on Tuesday. The government is eager to blame Guaido for the measures, which, once they begin to bite, could diminish his popularity.

Source: bd News24 January 30, 2019 10:30 UTC