Maduro's guard has been massacred and “innocent civilians” have been killed in the US operation in Venezuela. The announcement made by the Venezuelan Army
A man holds a photo of Nicolás Maduro during a protest against the US military operation that ousted Maduro from power. Credit line: Bernat Armangue / AP / Profimedia
A large part of Nicolas Maduro's security team was killed in Saturday's US military operation in which the Venezuelan president was captured, Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino was quoted by the BBC as saying on Sunday.
Padrino did not provide an exact death toll. In a televised statement, the general said the Venezuelan armed forces “strongly reject the cowardly kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife after the “cold-blooded killing of a large part of his security team, soldiers and innocent civilians”.
“What is happening to Venezuela today could happen to any state or government,” said Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
He called on the people of Venezuela to “resume normal activities” in work, trade and education.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said at a press conference that there were no American casualties, although he suggested that some soldiers had been injured.
“Air, ground and naval forces were used in the operation. It was one of the most shocking, efficient and powerful displays of the greatness and competence of the American military. Not a single piece of military equipment was lost, not a single soldier was injured. They were quickly overwhelmed, and very quickly, even though they expected us and knew we were coming,” Trump said.
NYT: At least 40 dead in US attack
Earlier, the American daily New York Times reported that approximately 40 people lost their lives during the American operation against Venezuela on Saturday, according to a Venezuelan official consulted by the publication.
Among the dead are both civilians and soldiers, according to this anonymous source from the Maduro government, quoted by the New York daily.
Venezuela's military recognizes Delcy Rodriguez as interim president
In the same statement, the Minister of Defense announced that the Venezuelan military recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country's interim president.
Delcy Rodriguez, who said on Saturday that Nicolas Maduro remains the country's sole president despite his capture by US forces, has been appointed by the Constitutional Court to lead the country on an interim basis while the leader is away.
The Constitution of Venezuela, in accordance with Articles 233 and 234, states that regardless of whether the absence is temporary or absolute, the Vice President assumes the presidential duties.
