February 6, 1992 |
Although the military high command saved President Carlos Andres Perez's life by squelching an attempted coup by rebel troops, analysts believe those senior officers now may control the fate of Perez's political existence, endangered not just by the uprising but also by endemic corruption, worsening economic conditions and a loss of public support.
December 3, 1992 |
The future of Venezuela's democratic system remains in mortal danger, even though it survived two military coup attempts in less than a year, because the country's leaders may have learned the wrong lessons, diplomatic and key political sources say.
January 16, 1989
A Venezuelan congressional report found that 14 fishermen killed in a military-led ambush in October were shot from behind, casting doubt on the military's claim they died during a gun battle with Colombian guerrillas. The report, portions of which were printed in Caracas newspapers, said the 14 were shot in the back and the back of the head, many at close range, "which makes it presumable the deaths . . . (were) not the product of a confrontation."
February 9, 1992 |
The young man's head nearly touched the scorching tin roof of the cramped shack, one of thousands dotting this capital's hillsides, as he tried to vent his frustration over a failed coup by the Venezuelan military. He was angry, not because a small group of army officers made an assault Tuesday on the government of one of South America's most stable democracies, but because they failed to achieve their initial goal, that of assassinating President Carlos Andres Perez.
February 4, 1992 |
Rebel soldiers tried to overthrow the troubled, elected government of President Carlos Andres Perez early today, cutting off roads to the capital and trying to seize the country's second-largest city. Heavy machine-gun fire and mortar fire was heard around Perez's residence and the Presidential Palace when the attempt began shortly after midnight, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. Soldiers were shooting at passing vehicles and pedestrians.
November 28, 1992 |
Rebels tried Friday to overthrow President Carlos Andres Perez for the second time this year, claiming to act on behalf of the growing legions of poor in this oil-rich nation racked by corruption. At least 50 people were killed in Caracas and Maracay, site of the country's main air base, before the revolt was put down and some top military officers were arrested, a government source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.