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Jan 23, 2019 - Politics & Policy

In photos: Venezuela's political crisis reaches its boiling point

Shannon Vavra
Juan Guaido addresses a crowd of supporters on Wednesday. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself the country's interim president during a massive opposition rally in Caracas Wednesday as tens of thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets to protest the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Driving the news: The move led President Trump to announce that he had officially recognized Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader.

Juan Guaido surrounded by supporters.
National Assembly head Juan Guaidó speaks during the opposition rally. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images
National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's 'acting president' during a mass opposition rally against leader Nicolas Maduro.
Juan Guaidó declares himself the country's interim president during the opposition rally. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images
Soldiers fire tear gas and take pictures of a rally.
One Venezuelan soldier fires tear gas at demonstrators while another takes a picture. Photo: Rayner Pena/picture alliance via Getty Images
Soldiers with riot gear.
Soldiers stand ready during the protests. Photo: Rayner Pena/picture alliance via Getty Images
Van set on fire with crowd surrounding it.
Venezuelan opposition demonstrators set a van on fire during the protest. Photo: Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images
Man walks by vandalized car.
A man walks by a car that was vandalized in Caracas. Photo: Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images

Go deeper: Trump seizes chance to ratchet up pressure on Venezuela's Maduro

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