The head of Venezuela's opposition-led legislature proclaimed himself "acting president" in a bid to oust leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, winning immediate backing from regional powers led by the United States.
The move by Juan Guaido -- which came as thousands of rival protesters jammed the streets of Caracas, at times clashing with riot police -- sharply raised the stakes in the oil-rich nation become impoverished under Maduro.
It also capped days of political drama that has seen seven protesters killed since Tuesday night.
"I swear to formally assume the national executive powers as acting president of Venezuela to end the usurpation, (install) a transitional government and hold free elections," the 35-year-old Guaido told a throng of cheering supporters.
Within minutes, President Donald Trump issued a statement declaring Maduro "illegitimate" and calling the National Assembly "the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people." A dozen regional players soon followed suit, with Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Canada among those backing Guaido, although Mexico and Cuba stood firm in support of Maduro -- as did the country's powerful military.
A furious Maduro responded by breaking off diplomatic ties with the "imperialist" US government, giving its diplomats 72 hours to leave. "Get out! Leave Venezuela, here there's dignity, damn it," shouted Maduro to the cheers of thousands supporters outside the presidential palace in Caracas. Guaido retorted with an open letter urging foreign powers to maintain their diplomatic presence in the country.
Maduro's isolation was starkly apparent as the international community closed ranks around Guaido -- and against the leftist leader, reelected in May in snap elections boycotted by the opposition and denounced around the world.
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In Washington, a top administration official issued a stern warning to Maduro's regime not to use force against the opposition.
"If Maduro and his cronies choose to respond with violence, if they choose to harm any of the National Assembly members... all options are on the table for the United States in regards to action to be taken," said the official.
In Brussels, EU Council President Donald Tusk said that "unlike Maduro" Guaido's National Assembly has "a democratic mandate from Venezuelan citizens." And the head of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, told Guaido: "You have all our recognition to launch the return of democracy to the country."
Speaking from a balcony at the presidential palace, Maduro lashed out at
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