Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Denver news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Des Moines news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Minneapolis-St. Paul news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Tampa Bay news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Charlotte news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Juan Guaidó. Photo: Marco Bello via Getty Images
General Francisco Yanez, a high-ranking member of Venezuela's air force, said he is now backing Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president, Reuters reports.
Why it matters: The military’s support for Maduro is seen as key to maintaining his grip on power, as leaders around the globe — led by the U.S. — disavow the dictator's leadership of Venezuela. Yanez is the first active general in Venezuela to recognize Guaidó’s leadership since he declared himself president on Jan. 23, and called on other military members to defect from Maduro and support the opposition leader as well.
Go deeper: The geopolitical state of play for Venezuela