Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly and the U.S.-recognized interim President of the county, announced this morning “Operación Libertad” which called on the military to rise up against the rule of Nicolás Maduro:

Pueblo de Venezuela inició el fin de la usurpación. En este momento me encuentro con las principales unidades militares de nuestra Fuerza Armada dando inicio a la fase final de la Operación Libertad. — Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) April 30, 2019

Translation: People of Venezuela began the end of usurpation. At this moment I meet the main military units of our armed force initiating the final phase of Operation Freedom.

Pueblo de Venezuela vamos a la calle, Fuerza Armada Nacional a continuar el despliegue hasta que consolidemos el fin de la usurpación que ya es irreversible. — Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) April 30, 2019

Translation: Venezuelan people we go to the street, national armed force to continue the deployment until we consolidate the end of the encroachment that is already irreversible.

Guaidó’s move has the support of the United States:

Today interim President Juan Guaido announced start of Operación Libertad. The U.S. Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated. #EstamosUnidosVE — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) April 30, 2019

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

Venezuelans have made clear that the current path toward democracy is irreversible. Venezuela’s military has a choice: embrace democracy, protect civilians and members of the democratically-elected National Assembly, or face more man-made suffering and isolation. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) April 30, 2019

The situation, however, remains fluid at this time:

I spoke to @AmbJohnBolton this morning. The situation in #Venezuela is fluid and information is sketchy as social media has been largely shut down. But the United States stands with the patriots of Venezuela fighting for their life, liberty and sacred honor. #OperaciónLibertad — Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 30, 2019

This is the moment for those military officers in #Venezuela to fulfill their constitutional oath & defend the legitimate interim President @jguaido in this effort to restore democracy. You can write history in the hours & days ahead. — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Report says even more military units are joining effort of Interim President @jguaido in #Caracas #Venezuela https://t.co/jxJpffKY8v — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

And Sen. Rubio is particularly unhappy with the way CNN is covering events:

Some of the most shameful reporting ever by @CNN right now. Calling what is happening in #Venezuela an “armed coup”. @jguaido efforts are supported by virtually every nation in the region. Grotesque. — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Just saw @CNN shamefully call what is happening today in #Venezuela a “coup attempt” @jguaido is recognized as legitimate interim President of #Venezuela by constitution,over 50 countries & OAS. The only coup is the one carried out by #Cuba in support of dictator #Maduro — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Here’s what he’s talking about:

Don’t miss this: the US is now publicly supporting an armed coup in Venezuela. On the other side is a govt backed by Russia. — Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) April 30, 2019

From CNN on the ground: Shots fired on streets of Venezuela outside Caracas’s La Carlota Air Force base, video shows. The situation is very tense. — Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) April 30, 2019

Right now: Gunfire on the streets of Caracas Venezuela as members of the military supporting opposition leader Juan Guaido battle those backing President Nicolas Maduro. An attempted coup underway. pic.twitter.com/XYb12Kl2YW — Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) April 30, 2019

Memo to CNN: It’s not a coup:

RT @SenTomCotton

"What’s happening in Venezuela isn’t a 'coup.' The legitimate government, recognized by the civilized world, is claiming its rightful power. The Maduro regime is a long-running coup & crime against the Venezuelan people, backed by Havana, Beijing, & Moscow." — Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) April 30, 2019

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