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

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