VENEZUELAN President Nicolas Maduro called for military unity today after security forces did not respond to self-proclaimed leader Juan Guaido’s calls for an uprising.

Addressing national television, Mr Maduro said the military must be prepared to combat “traitors” and the opposition “who have sought to provoke bloodshed” in Caracas following Mr Guaido’s latest failed attempt to seize power. 

Mr Maduro also said he was sure that United States National Security Adviser John Bolton led Wednesday’s opposition coup and demanded an investigation against the nation.

“They [the right] have not or will not be able to succeed with us under any circumstances,” he said on Wednesday evening.

"They cannot understand the absolute will to defend this revolution, our Bolivarian constitution, our national independence and the right of the people to build their future."

A 27-year-old woman was shot dead and dozens were injured in the capital Caracas on Wednesday after Mr Guaido called on his  supporters and incited violence on the streets.

Thousands of government supporters also gathered in the city to celebrate international workers’ day to show solidarity with President Maduro.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted that the US government was violating the United Nations Charter and international laws by threatening to use force, supporting and masterminding the coup attempt.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday that Washington’s interference in Venezuela’s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with “the most serious consequences.”

Mr Lavrov added that Russia plans to create a bloc of countries to counter a possible US military intervention, with a group already being formed in the UN.