Tensions rise in Venezuela as opposition leader González asks military to end Maduro’s reign

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has urged the Venezuelan military to recognize him as their commander-in-chief and “put an end to the leadership” of President Nicolás Maduro, whose government is resisting calls to give up power.

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has urged the Venezuelan military to recognize him as their commander-in-chief and “put an end to the leadership” of President Nicolás Maduro, whose government is resisting calls to give up power. González’s message, relayed in a video posted on social media Sunday, was his clearest appeal yet for the military to support his intention to take the presidency, which he insists he won in the disputed July election against incumbent Maduro. Maduro is due to be sworn in for his third term in power on January 10, but various countries including the United States have questioned the validity of the official election result and the US has said it recognizes González as the rightful president-elect. With that date looming ever nearer, and the Venezuelan opposition calling for street protests, tensions appear to be coming to a head. On Monday, Maduro’s minister of internal affairs claimed Venezuela had arrested over 100 people from several countries including the US who he alleged were linked to “acts of destabilization.” Without detailing or offering evidence for his claims, Cabello suggested some of those in custody were linked to the Venezuelan opposition. In a separate move, Venezuela announced it would cut diplomatic ties with Paraguay, after its President Santiago Peña reiterated his recognition of González. The Venezuelan opposition leader fled to Spain in September to seek asylum after Maduro’s government issued a warrant for his arrest. He is currently visiting the US and on Monday visited the White House. In his video message Sunday, González said Maduro had “distorted the principles” of the military and called for the armed forces to recognize his authority from January 10.