Venezuelan opposition supporters have been holding mass protests, a day after violent clashes with government forces. "We will keep going with more strength than ever," opposition leader Juan Guaidó tweeted. Pro-government rallies are also taking place. The rival demonstrations come after President Nicolás Maduro said he had stopped an "attempted coup" on Tuesday. Mr Guaidó says he is backed by members of the armed forces, but Mr Maduro insists he still has their support. In a fiery television address on Tuesday, Mr Maduro accused protesters of "serious crimes" which he said would "not go unpunished", and said the US was plotting against him. Mr Guaidó declared himself Venezuela's interim leader in January and has been recognised by more than 50 countries, including the US, the UK and most in Latin America. But Mr Maduro - backed by Russia, China and the top of the country's military - has refused to cede leadership to his rival. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said military action was "possible" if necessary but that the US would prefer a peaceful transition of power. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the US against further "aggressive" steps. The UN meanwhile called on both sides to exercise "maximum restraint". AFP.