Guaido to Venezuelan officials: don't be cowards

Venezuelan political leader Juan Guaido lashed out Wednesday against officials loyal to President Nicolás Maduro, who deny any role in armed threats days earlier against him at a violent opposition street march.

"Assume your responsibility," Guaido said during a session of the National Assembly. "Don't be cowards."

His remarks followed a weekend confrontation in the central city of Barquisimeto, where opposition leaders say roughly 200 armed civilians loyal to Maduro called "colectivos" and government security forces brandished weapons and opened fire to intimidate marchers led by Guaido.

The day ended with a 16-year-old boy being shot in the leg, while others with Guaido reported being roughed up and robbed of their cell phones.

"They are already saying that it's a false positive, a show!" said Guaido referring to what the socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello said during his press conference.

According to Guaido, the government is trying to distance itself from who he says are responsible for the incident.

"I do not buy the story that they are separated, I do not buy the story that they are from different sides, no sir!"

The confusing incident is believed to be the first time pro-government vigilantes have aimed a weapon at Guaido, who the U.S. and more than 50 other countries recognize as Venezuela's rightful leader following Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a race the opposition says was marred by irregularities.

Guaido has called for a demonstration on March 10, when the opposition will attempt to retake control of their legislative building in the center of Caracas.

Armed civilians and security forces have forcefully blocked opposition lawmakers from entering the building since January.