Masked assailants ransack Venezuela opposition leader’s headquarters as post-election tensions mount [Video]

CARACAS – Half a dozen masked assailants ransacked the headquarters of Venezuela’s opposition leader Friday in an escalation of violence against President Nicolás Maduro’s opponents after several countries called for proof of his claim he had won the disputed presidential election.

Assailants broke down doors and hauled away valuable documents and equipment in the raid around 3 a.m., Maria Corina Machado’s party said. Images published by Machado’s party on social media show several walls covered in black spray paint.

The raid follows threats by top officials, including Maduro, to arrest Machado, who has gone into hiding while still urging Venezuelans and the international community to challenge Sunday’s election results.

The Biden administration has thrown its support firmly behind the opposition, recognizing candidate Edmundo Gonzálezas the victor and discrediting the National Electoral Council’s official results. González was tapped in April as a last-minute stand-in for Machado, who has been barred from running for political office for 15 …