Military side with Maduro

VENEZUELA’S powerful military has thrown its weight behind Nicolas Maduro as the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido pressed a direct challenge to his authority, and the fate of the crisis-racked country hung in the balance.

The country was plunged into uncertainty midweek when Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself “acting president”.

As the death toll from days of street protests jumped to 26, eight generals reiterated their “absolute loyalty and subordination” to the socialist leader in messages on state TV.