The Growing Unrest In Venezuela -- News Updates May 18, 2017

Reuters: Mayhem rages in west Venezuela; Capriles blocked from U.N. trip

Mobs looted shops and fought security forces overnight in Venezuela's restive western region, where three soldiers were being charged on Thursday with the fatal shooting of a man who was buying diapers for his baby, witnesses said.

Six weeks of anti-government unrest have resulted in at least 44 deaths, as well as hundreds of injuries and arrests in the worst turmoil of President Nicolas Maduro's four-year rule of the South American OPEC-member country.

Protesters are demanding elections to kick out the socialist government that they accuse of wrecking the economy and turning Venezuela into a dictatorship. Maduro, 54, the successor to late leader Hugo Chavez, says his foes are seeking a violent coup.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If this happens, Venezuela will be a step or two away from an armed revolution, or even a civil war .... In secret recording, Venezuelan general pushes for snipers to control demonstrators (Miami Herald).

More News On The Growing Unrest In Venezuela -- News Updates May 18, 2017

More troops deployed as deadly Venezuela crisis spreads -- CBS/AP
Venezuela opposition leader blocked from traveling to UN -- AP
Venezuela’s opposition leader barred from leaving the country -- Miami Herald
Venezuela Opposition Leader Says His Passport Annulled to Block Trip to UN -- Sputnik
Venezuela’s Riot Police Are Ready to Jump Ship according to WSJ -- Panam Post
U.S. slaps sanctions on Venezuela Supreme Court judges -- Reuters
U.S. sanctions 8 judges on Venezuela’s supreme court -- Washington Post
US slaps sanctions on Venezuela Supreme Court judges -- DW
Trump Calls Venezuela `Horrible' as Treasury Expands Sanctions -- Bloomberg
Trump asks Colombia’s help to end Venezuela political crisis -- Washington Post/AP
Venezuela’s oil production on the brink of collapse -- RT
Venezuela's crisis takes a toll on education -- DW
Venezuela’s Escalating Violence Seen in Killing of Carolina Herrera’s Nephew -- NBC
Venezuela: For the Women Leading the Anti-Maduro Protests, the Political Is Personal -- Newsweek