Venezuelan opposition launches new round of protests

National Assembly President Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela, leaps on to a vehicle to speak to supporters as he visits different points of anti-government protest in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. The U.S. has led an international effort to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro and replace him with Guaido, who vows to hold a new presidential election. Guaido is backed by some 50 countries, while Maduro maintains support from countries such as China, Russia and Cuba. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Trina Parry, 83, sporting a headlight headlamp, joins a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. A massive blackout that left millions of Venezuelans without power for four days has triggered one persistent question: How could a country with the world's largest proven oil reserves go dark? (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

VALENCIA, Venezuela – Large crowds have gathered in the northern Venezuelan city of Valencia to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido, who plans to tour the country as part of his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido on Saturday tweeted photos in which he is seen at a cathedral service and a market in the industrial hub.

Protests are also planned in the capital of Caracas and other parts of Venezuela as U.S.-backed Guaido seeks to ramp up pressure on Maduro, who says he is the target of a coup plot directed from Washington.

Venezuela recently recovered power in many areas after blackouts inflicted misery on millions of people who were already struggling to get by with few resources in a nation gripped by an economic and political crisis.

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