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Venezuela's Maduro Says Authorities Foiled Opposition Coup Plot

   CARACAS, VENEZUELA - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on
   Wednesday security forces had foiled an opposition coup attempt that
   included plans to assassinate him and other top political figures and
   install a jailed former military officer as president.

   A catastrophic economic collapse in the South American nation has
   fueled malnutrition and disease, prompting an exodus of the population
   toward Mexico and the United States. The armed forces have continued to
   side with the ruling Socialist Party despite calls by opposition leader
   Juan Guaido to disavow Maduro.

   "We have revealed, dismantled and captured a fascist band of terrorists
   that planned a coup against Venezuelan society and Venezuelan
   democracy," said Maduro in an evening broadcast.

   "They are captured, behind bars, with clear evidence after following
   this group of criminals and fascists."

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