Gunfire and fighting have broken out in Venezuela after interim President Juan Guaidó announced the start of the final phase of overthrowing strongman Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Flanked by armored vehicles and men dressed in military uniforms, Guaidó said Tuesday morning that “Operation Freedom” was reaching its ultimate conclusion, declaring in a dawn address at a military base in Venezuela’s capital that demonstrators should pour into the streets in a massive show of nationwide protests.

“This is the moment, the moment is now,” Guaidó said in the speech. “Today, brave soldiers, brave patriots, brave men devoted to the constitution have taken up our call.”

“The people of Venezuela initiated the end of the usurpation. At this moment I am meeting with the main military units of our Armed Forces, beginning the final phase of Operation Freedom,” Guaidó added in an early-morning tweet.

Massive, nationwide May Day demonstrations were planned to begin Wednesday, but with Guaidó’s announcement, they appear to have already begun. There are reports that Maduro shut down public transit and is blocking news outlets, including YouTube, in order to stymie protesters as conflict appears to be breaking out in the country.

Guaidó has called on the military to support his claim of the presidency.





Gunfire was seen breaking out in the streets as protesters began the effort to oust Maduro once and for all. There are also reports that security forces have closed access points to Venezuela's presidential palace.





National security adviser John Bolton tweeted at Maduro’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López encouraging him to order the military to stand behind Guaidó and the Venezuelan National Assembly.

“. @vladimirpadrino: The FANB must protect the Constitution and the Venezuelan people. It should stand by the National Assembly and the legitimate institutions against the usurpation of democracy. The United States stands with the people of Venezuela,” Bolton said.



.@vladimirpadrino: The FANB must protect the Constitution and the Venezuelan people. It should stand by the National Assembly and the legitimate institutions against the usurpation of democracy. The United States stands with the people of Venezuela. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) April 30, 2019



Jorge Rodríguez, Maduro’s information minister, said Tuesday that the government was confronting a small group of “military traitors” who were trying to promote a coup against the regime.

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted out support for Tuesday's effort to overthrow Maduro, writing: "To @jguaido, 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! #FreeVenezuela"



To @jguaido, 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! #FreeVenezuela — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 30, 2019



The United States and dozens of other countries have recognized Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. There have been flare-ups of demonstrations for months, but the escalation Tuesday appears to signal a powerful shift in the movement to topple the Maduro government.