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This past week saw a major escalation in two of Latin America's most volatile countries: Venezuela and Nicaragua. Before last week, it looked like Nicolás Maduro had quashed all opposition after he was sworn into his second term. But the Venezuelan people found a second win after Juan Guaidó, the head of the National Assembly called for a nationwide protest and then declared himself acting president.Several countries, including the United States Costa Rica, quickly recognized Guaidó as the interim president. Russia and China, on the other hand, have expressed support for Maduro. Now the country braces for what comes next.Nicaragua also experienced an escalation in the conflict. Four police officers were killed near the border of Costa Rica. A self-identified Nicaraguan resistance group called Los Atabales has taken responsibility for the attack, but Nicaragua insists a criminal organization based out of Costa Rica named "El Jobo" was responsible.Costa Rica has refuted Nicaragua's claims. The Tico Times has contacted Nicaraguan authorities multiple times to ask for what evidence led them to their conclusion, but we've only received stalls or silence.When it comes to Costa Rica, we've continued our Puerto Viejo Deep Dive and look at why road development has some citizens concerned. Rincón de la Vieja also registered an overnight eruption and Costa Rica was able to end 2017 with a deficit that was lower than predicted.Thanks for reading and we'll keep bringing you coverage from Costa Rica and Latin America. It's bound to be another newsworthy week.Alexander VillegasAssistant editorThe Tico Times

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Katherine StanleyManaging Editor[email protected]

Alexander R. VillegasAssistant Editor[email protected]