Anti-government protests engulf Venezuela sparking chaos

Venezuelan National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaido declared himself the country's acting president

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Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally demanding President Nicolas Maduro's resignation in Caracas

Anti-government protesters hold their hands up during the symbolic swearing-in of Juan Guaido in Caracas

Venezuela's crisis quickly escalated as the opposition leader backed by the Trump administration declared himself interim president in a direct challenge to Maduro, who retaliated by breaking off relations with the United States. Photo: Venezuelan Bolivarian National Guard soldiers detain an anti-government protester

Venezuelans protest in support of Juan Guaido in Lima, Peru

Anti-government protesters jump over a barricade made with wire during clashes with Bolivarian National Guard soldiers after a rally demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas

Anti-government protesters tear off razor wire from a wall during clashes in Caracas

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores interact with supporters from a balcony at Miraflores presidential palace during a rally in Caracas

Supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro are seen near Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas

Anti-government protesters hold their hands up during the symbolic swearing-in of Juan Guaido, head of the opposition-run congress, in Caracas

An anti-government protester is seen in Caracas

An anti-government protester who was overcome by tear gas is aided by a paramedic during clashes in Caracas

People demonstrate against the Government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas

According to numerous media reports, on January 23, sweeping anti-government protests took Venezuela by storm. In some of the country’s regions, opposition-led activities resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces, which led to casualties. According to the Pitazo news outlet, at least 16 protesters have lost their lives. The chaos erupted after Venezuelan parliament speaker and opposition leader Juan Guaido had declared himself interim president at a rally in the country’s capital of Caracas. Several countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay, have recognized him. Maduro, the current president, condemned the move branding it a coup staged by Washington and said he was cutting diplomatic ties with the US.