Following up the uprising in Venezuela against embattled President Nicolas Maduro, big anti-government protests are expected on Wednesday.<br />For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to Hong Yoo.<br />Yoo, tell us more.<br />Well Connyoung, a day after violent clashes with government forces, protests are being held by both government opponents and Maduro supporters in Caracas.<br />Juan Guaido, the opposition leader has called for support from protesters in various locations across the country after Maduro said he had stopped an "attempted coup" on Tuesday.<br />Demonstrations by Maduro supporters are largely formed by those from working class backgrounds.<br />Speaking to a crowd in Caracas, Guaido admitted he did not have enough military defectors on his side to declare victory and added the opposition group is not asking the armed forces for a confrontation but just to be on the side of the people.<br />In January, Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim leader and has been recognized by more than 50 countries, including the U.S. <br />U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that the U.S. would prefer a peaceful transition of government in Venezuela but the American "military action is possible" if that's what's required.<br />But Maduro, backed by Russia, is refusing to go.<br />Russia is one of Venezuela's largest creditors and has been helping the economy by heavily investing in the country's oil sector.<br />Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warned Pompeo during a phone call on Wednesday that attempts to oust Maduro were "fraught with the severest consequences". <br />He also said Washington's support for Guaido is a "gross violation of international law". <br />
