Maduro urges troops to fight ‘traitors’
Venezuelan court orders opposition figure’s arrest
CARACAS, Venezuela — Flanked by uniformed commanders, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Thursday urged the armed forces to combat “traitors” as he sought to project strength after opposition leader Juan Guaidó called for a military uprising two days earlier.
Speaking at Fort Tiuna, a military base in Caracas, Maduro also said the opposition had sought to provoke bloodshed in Caracas with Guaidó’s call, which failed to push Venezuela’s military into rebellion but was followed by deadly clashes between protesters and police in cities across the country.
At least four people died after being shot during protests Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, a human rights group. The dead included two people who were shot in the city of La Victoria and two others killed in Caracas.
One of those hit by gunfire, 16-year-old Yosner Graterol, died of his injuries Thursday morning, the human rights group said.
Activists say at least 230 people were injured and 205 were detained during the clashes between protesters and police.
The streets of the capital were calm on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s top court ordered the arrest of Leopoldo López, an opposition activist who took refuge in the Spanish Embassy after joining an attempt to topple Maduro.
López spoke with reporters Thursday at the gate of the Spanish ambassador’s home in Caracas. He broke house arrest this week to join an attempted military uprising.
In 2014, López was detained for leading protests against Maduro’s rule. He was placed under house arrest, where he remained until appearing in public Tuesday with Guaidó.
López said he’s spent the last five years surrounded by jail guards and security forces posted at his home, giving him insight into their perspective.
Despite the setbacks, López said he expects the country’s military will step up to overthrow Maduro. He said that in recent weeks he’s talked with majors in the Venezuelan armed forces, who told him they are committed to Maduro’s ouster.