A top White House official called Saturday on Venezuela's military to follow the lead of a general who sided with opposition leader Juan Guaido against President Nicolas Maduro.
"The US calls on all military members to follow General Yanez's lead, and to protect the peaceful protestors supporting democracy," National Security Advisor John Bolton said in a tweet.
He was referring to Major General Francisco Yanez who posted a video of himself rejecting Maduro's "dictatorial" authority and recognizing Guaido, the National Assembly head, as the acting president.
Yanez, who is strategic planning director of the Venezuelan air force's high command, is the highest-ranking active duty officer to turn against Maduro since Guaido declared himself acting president January 23, promising to organize presidential elections.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Venezuela Court Says Its Ruling On Presidential Vote Will Be "Final" Venezuela President Blocks Social Media Platform X For 10 Days In Country "There Will Be No Forgiveness": Nicolas Maduro Warns Those Opposing His Win 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing Tear Gas Fired After Kolkata Protest Against Doctor's Rape-Murder Turns Violent "Pivotal Moment": Key Doctor Body Resumes Strike 2 Days After Calling It Off Ajit Pawar Says Might Stay Out Of Assembly Polls, Son May Take Over "Pivotal Moment": Key Doctor Body Resumes Strike 2 Days After Calling It Off Navalny's Wife Rejects Finding He Died From "Combination Of Illnesses" Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.