Guaido calls on supporters to continue Operation Freedom after failed coup attempt in Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called on supporters to keep protesting on Wednesday, insisting that the military is on his side, after a day of rallies failed to produce the coveted ousting of President Nicolas Maduro.

"Today we started the final stage of Operation Freedom. And tomorrow we will continue, with more spirit than ever," Guaido said on Tuesday evening, in a video message posted to his social media accounts.

"We knew that the start was not going to be easy, but we showed that there are soldiers willing to defend the constitution and many more remain," the US-backed self-proclaimed 'interim president' added, refusing to acknowledge that Venezuelan officers, for the large part, had remained loyal to Maduro throughout the day of violent street protests.

Tuesday saw the pro-Guaido crowd rallying in Caracas and marching towards the presidential palace, along with a small number of people dressed in military uniform.  Supporters of President Nicolas Maduro, meanwhile, gathered for a rally outside the presidential palace, expressing their support for the government.

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