The Americas

Venezuela's rival factions rally as power struggle persists

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A supporter of President Nicolas Maduro screams at supporters of of Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, during a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, March 29, 2019. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Friday that it is poised to deliver aid to Venezuela, warning that it will not accept any interference from President Nicolas Maduro or opposition leader Juan Guaido. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

A supporter of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro kicks a car that is part of the caravan that moves Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, during his arriving at a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, March 29, 2019. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Friday that it is poised to deliver aid to Venezuela, warning that it will not accept any interference from President Nicolas Maduro or opposition leader Juan Guaido. (AP Photo/Boris Vergara)

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and the man he is trying to oust, President Nicolas Maduro, are holding rival demonstrations.

Guaido on Saturday addressed a crowd in Los Teques, a city near Caracas, while Maduro loyalists gathered for what was billed as an "anti-imperialist" rally in the capital.

Such dueling demonstrations have become a pattern in past weeks as Venezuela's opposing factions vie for power in a country enduring economic turmoil and a humanitarian crisis.

The rallies came a day after the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it is poised to deliver aid to Venezuela next month. The humanitarian group says it will remain neutral and has warned both sides in the Venezuelan conflict not to interfere with the aid distribution.