Venezuelan leader Maduro claims to have defeated US-backed coup

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday claimed to have defeated an attempted coup which he blamed on the nation's far right and its support from the "deranged" US government.

Dozens of National Guardsmen are understood to have deserted Maduro and joined opposition marchers in clashes on Tuesday that injured more than 100 people, with protesters throwing rocks as military forces that remain loyal to the President tackled those out on the street with teargas, water canons and by driving vehicles directly into crowds.

Maduro said his supporters will take back the streets on Wednesday in "a large, millions-strong march of the working class" and railed against the US government and opposition officials in Venezuela, whom he referred to as Washington's "useful idiots".

He also dismissed claims that he has made preparations to flee to Cuba.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had on Tuesday said: "He had an airplane on the tarmac, he was ready to leave this morning as we understand it and the Russians indicated he should stay. He was headed for Havana."

Meanwhile, opposition leader Juan Guaidó rubbished talks of an attempted military coup and argued instead that a "peaceful rebellion" was under way, before urging supporters to return to the streets on Wednesday for the "largest march" in the nation's history in an attempt to continue what he called the final stage of "Operation Freedom".

The opposition leader, who launched the large-scale protests more than three months ago, said he knew that Maduro "does not have the backing or the respect of the armed forces" as he pushed his supporters to keep up the pressure.

Unrest has been bubbling away in Venezuela for years, with millions of people fleeing the country amid blackouts, hyperinflation and chronic shortages of water, food and medicine.

The international community remains split on the issue, with the US, France, the UK, Germany and Spain among those who recognise Guaidó, while nations such as Russia, Turkey and Mexico continue to back Maduro.