Earlier today Jazz wrote about developments taking place in Venezuela. In short, Juan Guaido claims some in the military now support him and he’s making a move to oust Maduro from power. Maduro meanwhile claims he is stopping a coup. Not long ago the Pan Am Post published video on Twitter showing several armored personnel vehicles surrounded by angry protesters, some of whom were throwing rocks. Two of the vehicles suddenly drive through a crowd in a circle. One of them moves fairly slowly, allowing people to get out of the way, but another driver plows through the crowd leaving at least one person down on the street. This is how dictatorship works:

En medio de fuerte represión en los alrededores de la base aérea La Carlota, una tanqueta arrollo a varios manifestantes que se encontraban en el lugar apoyando al presidente @jguaido https://t.co/zdIDP0pGnO #30Abr #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/eBCPVIJH2M

— PanAm Post Español (@PanAmPost_es) April 30, 2019

The Pan Am Post is also reporting that the head of SEBIN, which is the Venezuelan intelligence force used to keep people in line, has turned on Maduro. This reads, “President of the Committee of Defense of the constituent Chavez confirms to radio Venezuelan that the director of the SEBIN, General Cristopher Figuera, is part of the uprising against Maduro.”

#URGENTE | Presidente de Comisión de Defensa de la Constituyente chavista confirma a radio venezolana que el director del SEBIN, general Cristopher Figuera, es parte del alzamiento contra Maduro (+ info en https://t.co/Pf3iLrN9cv) pic.twitter.com/u7YB0bcAtm

— PanAm Post Español (@PanAmPost_es) April 30, 2019

Jazz mentioned this earlier but opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has been released and is walking the streets today. He was apparently released by SEBIN which dovetails with the claim above that the group’s director has turned on Maduro. Lopez’ lawyer said his client’s freedom today was a sign that soon all Venezuelans would be free.

The Venezuelan military has heeded call of President @JGuaido to free my client @LeopoldoLopez. I'm confident that soon all #Venezuela will be free. Venezuelans taking to the streets now to support #Guaidó's #OperaciónLibertad. To all Venezuelans today: Stay Safe & #FuerzaYFe pic.twitter.com/6kVDFN6A8R

— Jared Genser (@JaredGenser) April 30, 2019

Here’s Lopez urging people to join him in the streets (2nd clip below).

"Good morning Venezuela, let's do this together."

Former opposition leader @leopoldolopez who left house arrest to show his support to @jguaido after being imprisoned for three years for his role in anti-government street protests in 2014. pic.twitter.com/8mLrYOsGOf

— euronews (@euronews) April 30, 2019

Interim President Guaido’s “Operation Liberty” is also getting support from US officials.

To @jguaido, the National Assembly and all the freedom-loving people of Venezuela who are taking to the streets today in #operacionlibertad—Estamos con ustedes! We are with you! America will stand with you until freedom & democracy are restored. Vayan con dios! #FreeVenezuela

— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) April 30, 2019

Today interim President Juan Guaido announced start of Operación Libertad. The U.S. Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated. #EstamosUnidosVE

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) April 30, 2019

Senator Marco Rubio has been tweeting about this all morning, including some criticism of CNN’s coverage calling this a “coup.”

This is the moment for those military officers in #Venezuela to fulfill their constitutional oath & defend the legitimate interim President @jguaido in this effort to restore democracy. You can write history in the hours & days ahead.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Today their can be no bystanders in #Venezuela#FANB,police,judicial & political leaders you must either support restoring constitutional democracy or you are a supporter of Cuba’s efforts to colonize Venezuela

The choice you make will define the rest of your life

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

The #MaduroRegime call for armed colectivo groups to take to the streets is a clear sign that they have lost faith in their control of the military in #Venezuela

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Colectivos are the gangs of motorcycle-riding thugs who support the regime.

As usual, #MaduroRegime with the help of #China technicians has taken down all social media access inside #Venezuela

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Just saw @CNN shamefully call what is happening today in #Venezuela a “coup attempt” @jguaido is recognized as legitimate interim President of #Venezuela by constitution,over 50 countries & OAS.

The only coup is the one carried out by #Cuba in support of dictator #Maduro

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Firing on civilians has been a redline for military leaders in #Venezuela.

Are they going to allow #MaduroRegime armed gangs to kill civilians to protect regime that’s going to come after many of them next?

It’s time to step forward & restore safety & constitutional order

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

The video of the armored GNB vehicle ramming into a crowd in #Caracas was just broadcast live on @CNN for the entire world to see.

Military & security leaders must realize they are & will be held responsible for this.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Finally, President Trump tweets support for Venezuelan freedom:

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1123291797554454529

I don’t think Maduro is going to step down and face the music though he might flee the country if enough troops turn on him. Here’s hoping this is resolved quickly and relatively peacefully. The longer this drags out, the more likely that Maduro’s goons start killing people in the streets to protect the glorious revolution.

Update: John Bolton calling out Maduro supporters by name.

.@vladimirpadrino, @Ivanr_HD, @MaikelMorenoTSJ: Your time is up. This is your last chance. Accept Interim President Guaido’s amnesty, protect the Constitution, and remove Maduro, and we will take you off our sanctions list. Stay with Maduro, and go down with the ship.

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) April 30, 2019

Update: Moving toward the presidential palace, Miraflores.

#BREAKING: Massive movement in Caracas, #Venezuela towards the presidential palacepic.twitter.com/H7ldu9t0IH

— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) April 30, 2019

Huge March of opposition protestors and Pro-Guaido soldiers through the streets of Caracas towards Miraflores #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/Mc44JLekEC

— CNW (@ConflictsW) April 30, 2019

Update: Don’t miss Ed’s post on how guns = power in Venezuela, according to MSNBC.