Venezuela crisis: US sending aid 'at Guaidó's request' Published duration 3 February 2019 Related Topics Venezuela crisis

media caption Who is really in charge in Venezuela? 

The US says it is sending aid to crisis-hit Venezuela following a request from Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader who has declared himself interim president. 

Mr Guaidó's move last month won swift backing from the US and others but triggered a power struggle. 

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has accused him of mounting a coup and retains major international allies. 

He has dismissed US offers of aid as a pretext for military intervention. 

Saturday saw thousands take to the streets of the capital Caracas for protests in support of both President Maduro and Mr Guaidó. 

Crucially, Mr Maduro retains the support of the military, but ahead of the demonstrations Mr Guaidó was given a boost after an air force general - Francisco Yanez - became the highest-ranking military official yet to pledge support for the opposition leader. 

Mr Guaidó says he has held secret meetings with the military to win support for ousting Mr Maduro and also reached out to China, one of Mr Maduro's most important backers. 

How will the aid scheme work? 

Mr Guaidó does not control any territory in Venezuela, so instead he is planning to set up collection centres in neighbouring countries where Venezuelans have fled to. 

In a tweet, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said plans were being advanced this weekend. 

Mr Maduro has rejected letting aid into the country, telling supporters on Saturday "we've never been nor are we a country of beggars". 

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How did we get here? 

Venezuela has suffered economic turmoil for years, with hyperinflation and shortages of essentials such as food and medicine.  Millions have fled. 

media caption Why Venezuela matters to the US... and vice versa

In January, Mr Maduro was sworn in for a second term following disputed elections which many opposition leaders did not contest because they were in jail or boycotting them. 

Later that month, Mr Guaidó, who is head of Venezuela's National Assembly, declared himself president. 

He says the constitution allows him to assume power temporarily when the president is deemed illegitimate.  On Saturday he said protests would continue until his supporters had achieved "freedom". 

Where do other countries stand? 

More than 20 countries have recognised Mr Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president. 

Russia, China and Turkey are among those who have publicly backed President Maduro. 

Sunday sees the expiration of a deadline set by several European countries - including France, Britain, Germany and Spain - for Mr Maduro to call presidential elections.  If he does not, they say, they will recognise Mr Guaidó as president.