“We are here to avoid, at all costs … a conflict between Venezuelans. It is not civil war, a war between brothers that will solve the problems of Venezuela. It is dialogue.” In a significant boost to Nicolás Maduro’s quest to remain in power, “the head of Venezuela’s armed forces has thrown his weight behind the embattled president.” He also accused the White House of backing a “criminal plan” to oust Maduro.

+ “Key allies of Venezuela’s embattled president, Nicolás Maduro, led by Russia and China, have warned the US not to intervene in support of the opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s attempt to lead the country.”

+ Vice: What you need to know about what’s happening in Venezuela.

+ Venezuela protests as two leaders vie to be president – in pictures.