Venezuela Crisis News: Violent Clashes As Opposition Leader Guaido Calls For Coup [Photos]

Self-proclaimed Venezuelan president Juan Guaido on Tuesday called on the National Bolivarian Armed Forces to abandon president Nicolas Maduro and join his democratic revolution in a bold declaration some are calling a military coup d’ etat.

Guaido urged Venezuelans to take to the streets on Tuesday, announcing that the final phase of Operation Freedom to oust president Nicolas Maduro is underway.

Over 70 persons have been injured in violent clashes involving pro-Guaido protestors and security forces all over Venezuela. One disturbing video shows a military vehicle ramming a crowd of anti-Maduro protestors and crushing one person. Gunshots have been heard but it’s unclear who is shooting at whom.

Speaking on a video, Guaido said members of the armed forces are now on his side and that military uprisings throughout Venezuela have begun as part of Operation Freedom.

“The armed forces have taken the right decision,” said Guaido. “With the support of the Venezuelan people and the backing of our constitution, they are on the right side of history.”

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted the U.S., which has supported Guaido since he declared himself interim president in January, fully supports “the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy.”

“Democracy cannot be defeated,” he added.

CNN reported that Maduro on Tuesday attempted to flee Venezuela by plane for Cuba but was prevented from doing so by the Russians, who have a small military force in the country.

The sudden and dramatic breakdown in the standoff between both men is also seeing the first signs of a break in the military’s erstwhile solid support of Maduro. Armed soldiers wearing the blue armbands or bandanas indicating their support for Guaido are increasingly being seen on Venezuelan streets.

Video shows pro-Maduro soldiers hurling tear gas canisters at pro-Guaido soldiers, who picked up the canisters and threw them back.

"It's now or never," said one soldier, his face covered in a blue bandana.

The situation is fluid and is expected to degenerate as both sides have called for mass demonstrations to show support for their respective leaders.

Anti-Maduro protests are planned for Wednesday, including what Guaido said will be “the largest march in Venezuela’s history.” These protests are part of what Guaido, the leader of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, calls the “definitive phase” of his effort to assume the presidency in order to call fresh elections.

Guaido, 35, invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, igniting a power struggle with Maduro. He has the support from about 50 countries, including the United States and several European nations, who have disavowed Maduro’s presidency.

Socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello called on government supporters to amass at the presidential palace to defend Maduro.

"We're going to Miraflores palace to defend the revolution, to defend Nicolas and to defend the legacy of Hugo Chavez," said Cabello in a phone call to state TV.

Maduro tweeted he had spoken to the commanders of the military, who have "expressed their total loyalty to the people, the constitution and the country."

"Nerves of steel!" he tweeted. "I have called for maximum popular mobilization to ensure the victory of peace. We will win!"

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted in support of Guaido.

"To Juan Guaido, the National Assembly and all the freedom-loving people of Venezuela who are taking to the streets today in #operacionlibertad -- Estamos con ustedes! We are with you! America will stand with you until freedom & democracy are restored. Vayan con dios!"

National Security Advisor John Bolton said the Venezuelan military has a choice to make: embrace democracy or "face more man-made suffering and isolation."

"Venezuelans have made clear that the current path toward democracy is irreversible," he tweeted.