(23 Jan 2019) STORYLINE:
Thousands of Venezuelans filled the streets on Wednesday accusing embattled President Nicolas Maduro of usurping power and joining the nation's re-invigorated opposition movement in demanding he step down as the country reels from a crushing economic crisis forcing millions to flee or go hungry.
Large crowds of protesters gathered in Caracas waving flags and chanting "Get out Maduro" in what was shaping up to be the largest demonstration since a wave of unrest that left more than 120 dead in 2017.
National guardsmen launched tear gas at anti-government protesters in the middle-class neighbourhood of El Paraiso but for the most part the marches continued without conflict.
Pro-government demonstrators dressed in red in support of Maduro were also marching in the capital, at times crossing paths with opposition protesters and shouting "sell outs" and "traitors".
The protest is considered a crucial test for the opposition as it seeks to send a forceful message that Maduro no longer has the people's backing and appeals to the military and the poor to shift loyalties that until recently looked solidly behind the president.
The protests were called to coincide with an historic date for Venezuelans - the anniversary of the 1958 coup that overthrew military dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez.
STORYLINE:
Authorities say two protesters are dead and five others injured in anti-government demonstrations in the Venezuelan city of San Cristobal.
A spokeswoman for the state of Tachira's health agency said the two demonstrators were shot to death but provided no further details.
At least one other person has been killed in this week's unrest.
Meanwhile demonstrators in Caracas are facing off against security forces firing rubber bullets and tear gas as they march through the capital.
Thousands of President Nicolas Maduro's followers are heading toward the presidential palace, heeding socialist leader Diosdado Cabello's call to protect the embattled leader.
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