WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has appealed directly to the Venezuelan military to abandon their support for President Nicolás Maduro.

In a speech in Miami, the president warned "the eyes of the entire world" were on those propping him up.

Mr Trump said those who continued to back Mr Maduro's government were risking their own futures and lives.

President Maduro condemned Mr Trump's speech as "almost Nazi-style" and said the military would respond with unity.

Venezuela's president is refusing to step down or call new elections, despite mounting international pressure.

It comes after dozens of countries, including the US, have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president.

The head of the country's opposition-led National Assembly declared himself interim leader during anti-government protests last month.

Mr Guaidó has vowed to oversee fresh elections on the grounds that Mr Maduro's 2018 re-election was flawed.

Mr Maduro has criticised outside influence in the country's internal affairs and has maintained the support of his military and several key allies. (FA)