Nicolás Maduro’s regime is cracking down on a growing protest movement challenging election results that have reinforced his grip on power.

Evidence suggests Maduro lost the election by a significant margin, sparking violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Authorities have begun arresting opposition leaders, including Edmundo González and María Corina Machado.

Riot police used tear gas on protesters, and at least 11 deaths have been reported during nationwide clashes.

Maduro, who had warned of a “bloodbath” if he lost, has called his supporters to rally around the presidential palace, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

The White House has expressed deep concern and questioned the election results, but with limited leverage, it struggles to influence Maduro, who has strengthened his regime and aligned with Russia, China, and other U.S. rivals.

Written by B.C. Begley