![Head of Venezuelan air force supporting Guaido](https://www.srjnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Head-of-Venezuelan-air-force-supporting-Guaido.jpg)
A top Venezuelan air force general said he is in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido instead of President Nicolas Maduro as legitimate leader.
Weeks ago Guaido declared himself as the interim head-of-state and his supporters are hitting streets across the country to oust Maduro.
General Francisco Yanez urged others in the military to come forward in support of Guaido and consider him as legitimate leader of Venezuela.
Yanez is head of strategic planning in air force and first high-ranking general to publicly reveal his choice for Guaido as leader of the country.
Earlier this week Guaido said had meetings with military officials to gain support and help him oust Maduro.
He added, “The military’s withdrawal of support from Mr. Maduro is crucial to enabling a change in government, and the majority of those in service agree that the country’s recent travails are untenable.”
President Trump too has recognized Guaido as legitimate leader of Venezuela. He reached to Maduro’s backers including China and Russia to convince them not to support Maduro.
Trump told the countries their interests would be served if Guaido gets support.
Guaido earlier said, “What most suits Russia and China is the country’s stability and a change of government… Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn’t protect anyone’s investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries.”