Venezuela sank deeper into a messy political crisis Tuesday as the opposition-controlled National Assembly suspended its session after the Supreme Court declared it null and void.

Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature suspended its session Tuesday after the Supreme Court declared it null and void on grounds that the new speaker defied the judiciary by swearing in three banned lawmakers.

Venezuela's opposition launched an offensive Wednesday against President Nicolás Maduro at its first full session in control of the legislature, having vowed to oust him within six months.

CARACAS – Venezuela's opposition on Tuesday took control of the legislature for the first time in 17 years but failed for the time being to clinch the two-thirds "supermajority" it had hoped for.

Venezuela's highest court on Wednesday effectively blocked the two-thirds majority that the opposition won in this month's landmark legislative elections by suspending the inauguration of three incoming lawmakers.

Venezuela could be headed for economic and humanitarian chaos in 2016, warn two former South American presidents just back from observing that country’s Dec. 6 parliamentary elections.

After 16 years of rubber-stamp impotence, Venezuela's opposition plans to use its overwhelming electoral victory to free political prisoners -- including its most charismatic leader -- and offer President Nicolás Maduro six months to take painful economic steps or face removal.

Venezuelan opposition leaders said Tuesday they won a two-thirds majority in the legislature, which could challenge President Nicolás Maduro's grip on power in the oil-rich but crisis-hit nation.

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's jubilant opposition vowed Monday to drag the oil-rich country out of its economic crisis and free political prisoners after winning control of congress from socialist President Nicolás Maduro.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A clear victory for Venezuela's opposition in weekend elections showed that voters had an "overwhelming desire for a change," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday, calling for dialogue in the oil-rich, cash-poor country.