SOCIALIST HARDLINERS AIM GUNS AT GUAIDO MARCHERS

Socialist hardliners in Venezuela reportedly opened fire during a march headed by Juan Guaido, injuring a 16-year-old demonstrator and adding to tensions in the country as the opposition leader seeks to revive his campaign to oust Nicolas Maduro.

A photo of the confrontation provided exclusively to The Associated Press shows a masked man brandishing a pistol pointed toward a group of opposition activists, including Guaido, who can be seen staring down the unidentified man.

The incident Saturday in the central city of Barquisimeto is believed to be the first time pro-government vigilantes known as colectivos have aimed a weapon at Guaido, who the U.S. and more than 50 other countries recognize as Venezuela’s rightful leader following Maduro’s re-election in 2018 in a race the opposition says was marred by irregularities.

The city’s former mayor and opposition activist Alfredo Ramos said the marchers led by Guaido were “ambushed” by about 200 colectivo members and government security forces loyal to Maduro.

Ramos said worse bloodshed was avoided because the unidentified man did not open fire at that moment. But later, as the crowd swelled, a 16-year-old demonstrator was shot in the leg and several others were roughed up as the colectivos harassed participants.

“Courage and strength,” Guaido said in a conversation with the injured activist that was videotaped by his aides while their caravan headed back to Caracas. “We’re going to achieve freedom for our country.”

An opposition lawmaker from the region, Daniel Antequera, said the march through poor neighborhoods drew surprisingly strong support. It lasted about an hour with the armed groups meeting them at various points, he said.

There was no immediate comment from the Maduro government.

The AP was not present at the rally so was unable to verify the lawmakers’ account. The photo of the gunman aiming at Guaido was provided to the AP by the opposition leader’s team.