Videos posted on Maduros Twitter page showed the Venezuelan leader, surrounded by military officials, inspecting troops at the Fort of Paramacay in Naguanagua and the Naval Base Agustin Armario in the city of Puerto Cabello over the weekend.
At the Fort of Paramacay base, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets.
Wearing tan fatigues, the president was also seen parading alongside the army amid a political crisis, which saw the US-backed opposition leader, Juan Guaido, abruptly declare himself interim president last week.
Nicols Maduro
? @NicolasMaduro
Nos estamos preparando para los ejercicios militares ms importantes de nuestra historia, en homenaje al Bicentenario de Angostura. Su objetivo es acoplar toda la capacidad, operativa, organizacional, de armas y de unin cvico militar, para defender nuestra Patria.
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2:14 AM - Jan 28, 2019
Besides supporting Guaido, Washington also spoke of what it called a humanitarian intervention in Venezuela, prompting the Maduro government to order the armed forces to get ready for defending the nation in any scenario. He announced massive exercises between February 10 and 15.
During a speechbroadcast on state television during his visits, Maduro said We are preparing for the most important military exercises in our history.
He said that soldierswill repel a simulated invasion and enhance their skills in defending the territories, coast and waterways of the Latin American state in the course of the forthcoming war games.
Our armed forces make our country unassailable,said the president, adding that the military is quite capable of standing against any aggressor that sets foot on the countrys soil.
The army has remained loyal to the elected government of Maduro amid the political conflict.
During the speech, Maduro once again lambasted the US for openly leading a coup against his administration by recognizing Guaido,the head of the opposition-led National Assembly, aspresident.
He asked the soldiers whether they were plotting with the imperialist US against the Caracas government.
No, my commander-in-chief, they shouted in unison in response.
Maduro then said, Were ready to defend our homeland under any circumstance.
Guaido seeking towinarmys backing
Meanwhile, the self-proclaimed president -- who has already admitted that his attempt to seize power still lacks crucial backing from the military has stepped up his push to force the military to turn against the Maduro administration.
He claimed that talks were proceeding behind the scenes with the military to force out Maduro.
We have been in talks with government officials, civilian and military men, Guaidotold The Washington Post on Sunday. This is a very delicate subject involving personal security. We are meeting with them, but discreetly.
We are waiting for you, the soldiers of Venezuela, Guaido told a news conference on the same day.
His supporters also handed out leaflets to soldiers, calling on them to reject Maduro and join Guaido.
Guardian news
? @guardiannews
Venezuelan security forces offered amnesty if they defect to opposition https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/28/guaido-tries-to-dent-maduro-grip-on-venezuela-military-with-amnesty-offer?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_b-gdnnews&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1548648348
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11:27 AM - Jan 28, 2019
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Venezuelan security forces offered amnesty if they defect to opposition
Self-declared interim president Juan Guaid tells troops they have a guarantee of protection
theguardian.com
He also called on people to hold rallies on Wednesday and another on Saturday in his support.
In another interview, the 35-year-old opposition leader told The Guardian, that he was set on getting the job done to force Maduro from power.
He, however, played down concerns for a possible armed conflict and claimed that the nation was living through an almost magical moment in what he called a quest for democracy.
Australia, Israel join West in backingGuaido
Washingtons Western allies, including Spain, Britain, France, the Netherlands and Germany, have said they would recognize Guaido as interim president unless Maduro calls elections within eight days.
Maduro on Sunday rejected the European ultimatum.
Guardian news
? @guardiannews
UK tries to keep EU united in piling pressure on Maduro https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/27/foreign-office-tries-to-keep-eu-united-in-piling-pressure-on-maduro?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_b-gdnnews&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1548636080
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9:41 AM - Jan 28, 2019
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UK tries to keep EU united in piling pressure on Maduro
European leaders toughen stance on Venezuela as hawkish US steps up rhetoric
theguardian.com
In another development, Australia and the Israeli regime have joined the US camp in backing the coup bid in Venezuela.
The Australian Foreign Ministry has voiced support for the opposition leader, saying it recognizes Guaido as the president of Venezuela.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also taken side with the opposition, and joined the United States today, as well as Canada, most South American countries and European nations.
Netanyahu announced his support for Guaido after Trump called on those undecided to pick a side.
Harry Morgan @harryjmorgan1
US envoy, Venezuelas Guaido praise Netanyahu for backing forces of freedom & democracy Scum aways sticks together and you'll never find a more wretched hive of murdering scum than Israel. https://www.rt.com/news/449930-israel-recognizes-venezuela-guaido/
9:48 AM - Jan 28, 2019
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US praises Israel for backing forces of freedom & democracy in Venezuela RT World News
Israel has moved to recognize Juan Guaidos claim to power in Venezuela, after Washington spearheaded the regime change effort, urging those undecided to pick a side, and its EU allies issued an...
rt.com
Tel Avivs move was hailed by the US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman.
He thanked Israel for standing with the people of Venezuela and recognizing the opposition as the legitimate leadership of the country.
