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Socialist Hardliners Aim Guns onGuaidoMarchin Venezuela

Associated Press

   CARACAS, VENEZUELA - Socialist hardliners in Venezuela opened fire
   during amarchheaded by JuanGuaido, injuring a 16-year-old demonstrator
   and adding to tensions in the country as the opposition leader seeks to
   revive his campaign to oust Nicolas Maduro.

   A photo of the confrontation provided exclusively to The Associated
   Press shows a masked man brandishing a pistol pointed toward a group of
   opposition activists, includingGuaido, who can be seen staring down the
   unidentified man.

   The confusing incident Saturday in the central city of Barquisimetowas
   believed to be the first time pro-government vigilantes known
   ascolectivoshadaimed a weapon atGuaido, whomthe U.S. and more than 50
   other countries recognize as Venezuela's rightful leader following
   Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a race marred by irregularities.

   The city's former mayor and opposition activist Alfredo Ramos said
   themarchers led byGuaidowere "ambushed" by about 200colectivomembers
   and government security forces loyal to Maduro.

   Ramos said worse bloodshed was avoided because the unidentified man did
   not open fire at that moment.

   Marchers scatter

   But later, as the crowd swelled, a 16-year-old demonstrator was shot in
   the leg and several others were roughed up as thecolectivosharassed
   participants, in some cases stealing their cellphones. Amid the sound
   of bullets firing into the air, themarchersquickly scattered.

   "Courage and strength,"Guaidosaid in a conversation with the injured
   activist that was videotaped by his aides while their caravan headed
   back to Caracas. "We're going to achieve freedom for our country."

   The AP was not present at the rallyandwas unable to verify the
   lawmakers' account. There was no immediate comment from the Maduro
   government.

   DimitrisPantoulas, a Caracas political analyst, said the incident
   underscoredthe forceful role being played in Venezuela by
   thecolectivos.

   As political turmoil has swept over Venezuela the past year, armed
   groups loyal to Maduro have been increasingly deployed by a government
   determined to resist domestic opposition and mounting international
   pressure,Pantoulassaid.

   Trouble ahead?

   "This is a tactic by the government to use violence bycolectivosto
   intimidate its opponents," saidPantoulas. "Every day thecollectivosare
   feeling stronger inside the Maduro government. One day, the situation
   could easily get out of hand and lead to bloodshed."

   Whilecolectivosin the past have been subordinate to
   Maduro,Pantoulascautioned that as the embattled leader's grip on power
   has weakened,some have strayed and operate independently or are aligned
   with otherChavistarevolution bosses.

   Saturday's event markedGuaido'sfirst public tripoutside Caracas
   sincehereturnedfrom an international tour to rally support, including a
   White House meeting with President Donald Trump, who invitedGuaidoas a
   special guest to his annual State of the Union address.

   Guaidowas met by rowdy Maduro supporters when he returned to
   Venezuela.Guaido,surrounded by security,pushed his way through the
   crowd as it pounded on his departing vehicle. His uncle,who returned on
   the same flight,was jailed on suspicion of bringing explosives into the
   country, chargesGuaidocalleda threat against him.

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