For the first time since opposition leader Juan Guaido announced his bid to unseat President Nicolas Maduro in January , efforts at regime change in Venezuela face the real risk of failure. Though Guaido is free to move about the country and rally crowds against Maduro, there are still no signs he has the support of the key military commanders needed to initiate a prompt and relatively peaceful political transition, despite the United States and the opposition's best efforts. As long as his military remains loyal, Maduro's government will remain in Caracas — leaving Guaido, as well as other prominent opposition figures in Venezuela, vulnerable to a crackdown that could end his bid for power altogether. The Loyalty of the Military The continued allegiance of high-ranking officials in the military remains the chief hurdle to opposition efforts to overthrow Maduro.