Rival rallies held in Caracas as Venezuela crisis intensifies

YURI CORTEZ / AFP

Venezuelan security forces have been deployed in large numbers in Caracas ahead of pro and anti-government protests.

Supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaidó took to the streets to back his move to oust President Nicolás Maduro and call for fresh elections. Many were pushed back with riot police firing pepper spray at them.

Meanwhile, backers of Maduro also held rival demonstrations across the capital, with the leader thanking the army for staying loyal to him and defeating an attempted coup.

This comes after widespread power cuts affected much of Venezuela since Thursday.

More from International News

On Virgin Radio today

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • BRED Abu Dhabi

    BRED Abu Dhabi, Presented by Hypebeast, is back April 24-28 in Yas Bay. The line up is next level and locked in.

  • ARN News Centre

    Get the latest UAE and world news from our award winning team of journalists. The ARN News Centre is the country's most trusted source of information.

  • Middle East Hot 30

    Every weekend Kris Fade plays the biggest tracks in the Middle East. Check out this weeks chart...

  • Mais Vault on the Kris Fade Show!

    The boys tried their 'pick up' lines on Mais Vault and things did not go according to plan...