On 1 March 2020, the main opposition leader Juan Guaidó announced that armed pro-government individuals attempted to assassinate him on 29 February in the western Venezuelan city of Barquisimeto, located approximately 365 km (225 mi) west of the capital Caracas. Guaidó was participating in an anti-government demonstration when a group of armed individuals fired at least nine bullets targeting his convoy; Guaidó escaped unhurt. At least seven people were injured in ensuing clashes between anti-government protesters and pro-government paramilitary groups known as colectivos. Following the clashes, Guaidó encouraged supporters to participate in a countrywide anti-government protest scheduled for 10 March