Venezuelans march in Caracas in defense of peace

 Venezuelans march

CARACAS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets of the capital Caracas on Saturday in defense of peace and Bolivarian revolution.

Supporters of the ruling party gathered to hear President Nicolas Maduro rail against attempted U.S. military intervention under the guise of humanitarian concern.

"Thirty days later, the coup has failed," Maduro said, referring to Jan. 23 when right-wing opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president and launched a push to unseat the president.

Maduro said peace had prevailed by successfully securing the country's borders against the forced delivery of U.S. aid, which was believed to be a pretext for an eventual military incursion.

"We are fighting for the right to peace with justice, with independence," Maduro told a receptive crowd that occasionally chanted pro-government slogans.

Before supporters rallied in the capital, opponents had concentrated at key border points with neighboring Colombia and Brazil to press for the aid to pass.