WASHINGTON ratcheted up hostility against Venezuela today, threatening a possible invasion a day after a failed attempt to trigger an armed insurrection in Caracas.

Belligerent US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that military intervention was a possibility “if that’s what is required” as the usurper Juan Guaido called for more demonstrations in the Venezuelan capital.

LIVE FROM VENEZUELA: Carnival atmosphere in Caracas on International Workers Day as Venezuelans show their support for Maduro, rejecting the US-backed coup attempt. #VivaVenezuela #VivaMaduro #HandsOffVenezuela #NoCoupInVenezuela @M_Star_Online pic.twitter.com/oDpHMkJP6z

— Steve Sweeney (@SweeneySteve) May 1, 2019

However Venezuelans remained defiant taking to the streets to “defend a world that is not only possible, but one that is necessary.”

Mr Guaido’s call for the overthrow of the democratically elected President Nicolas Maduro descended into farce yesterday as thousands poured onto the streets of Caracas in support of the government.

He was forced into a humiliating retreat as convicted criminal Leopold Lopez, who had earlier been broken free from house arrest by opposition supporters, was forced to hide in the Spanish embassy for his own safety.

LIVE FROM VENEZUELA: We are not only defending a world that is possible but we are defending a world that is necessary” #HandsOffVenezuela #NoCoupInVenezuela #VivaVenezuela #VivaMasuro @M_Star_Online pic.twitter.com/2QFQZSwBfO

— Steve Sweeney (@SweeneySteve) May 1, 2019

Mr Lopez was branded a “fascist” after he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for “incitement and criminal damage” for his role in leading a violent anti-government protest in 2014.

Thousands took to the streets as Venezuelans celebrated International Workers Day with messages of support for Mr Maduro received from across the region.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega sent his “strong embrace” to the Venezuelan people, urging “respect for their legitimate right to a safe and peaceful life.”

LIVE FROM VENEZUELA: “We are defending our future. We are defending democracy. We want peace, we don’t want war.” #HandsOffVenezuela #NoCoupInVenezuela #VivaMaduro #VivaVenezuela @M_Star_Online pic.twitter.com/aPqMqc3peM

— Steve Sweeney (@SweeneySteve) May 1, 2019

However hawkish US National Security Adviser John Bolton warned of increased action against Cuba which he has condemned for supporting the elected Venezuela government.

“The United States will continue to sever the ties between Cuba and Venezuela. Cuba’s survival has depended on the suffocation of Venezuelan democracy and freedom, but Cuba’s hold over Venezuela will end as the Venezuelan people stand for freedom,” he said.

Speaking from Caracas PSUV activist Luz Maria Escalla Gil told the Star: “Everything is calm and surrounded by happiness.

“The people of Venezuela are out on the streets full of joy, all together defending the Bolivarian Revolution, defending President Nicolas Maduro, the workers’ president.

“We are happy because once more we have survived, we have overcome any attempt at a coup … we don’t lose because we know what we are defending. We are defending a world that is not only possible, but a world that is also necessary,” she told the Star.

“We are defending our future. We are defending democracy. We want peace, we don’t want war,” she added.