"Venezuela claims it thwarted attempted 'coup' planned by the United States, Colombia and Chile that would have led to Nicolas Maduro's assassination"

"Venezuela claimed is derailed an attempted coup that would have also led to the assassination of Nicolas Maduro.

The socialist regime accused the United States, Colombia and Chile of colluding to remove an under-pressure Maduro last weekend.

The embattled leader of the oil-rich South American nation is facing popular backlash at home over a failing economy and spiraling inflation, as well as increasing international isolation.

The far-left leader is embroiled in a power struggle with Juan Guaido, the man the United States and scores of other countries recognize as Venezuela's legitimate interim president.

In a speech broadcast nationwide Wednesday, an agitated Maduro denounced a 'fascist attempt to assassinate me' -- and lashed out at Colombian President Ivan Duque saying his 'complicity' was 'evident.'

Maduro warned that he would be 'ruthless in a revolutionary counter-offensive against an attempted fascist coup -- ruthless!'

Maduro, his wife Celia Flores, and top Socialist Party official Diosdado Cabello were to be assassinated, along with other figures, the government said. In his speech, Maduro briefly referred to an 'Israeli group' he said was to carry out the killing."