Venezuela in Turmoil: Escalated Attacks & Contested Election Results

Half a dozen masked assailants ransacked Venezuela's opposition headquarters, escalating violence following disputed presidential election results. Despite international calls for vote transparency, Maduro claimed victory, sparking widespread protests and international backing for opposition leader Edmundo González. The contested election has plunged Venezuela further into political and economic turmoil.

Half a dozen masked assailants ransacked the headquarters of Venezuela's opposition Friday, intensifying violence against President Nicolás Maduro's challengers following disputed presidential election results.

In the early hours, assailants broke down doors and took valuable documents and equipment. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's party published images showing walls defaced with black spray paint.

The attack followed threats from top officials, including Maduro, who vowed to arrest Machado. The Biden administration and international allies have backed opposition candidate Edmundo González, discrediting the National Electoral Council's official results. On Friday, Uruguay recognized González as the winner amid growing calls for detailed vote counts.

(With inputs from agencies.)