Delcy Rodriguez, acting president of Venezuela. The army recognized the assumption of duties

The Venezuelan armed forces have recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez's assumption of presidential duties following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced on Sunday. He added that the army was put on full alert to defend the continuity of the state.

In a message published on Telegram, the minister said that the Venezuelan armed forces condemn the “cowardly kidnapping of our constitutional president, commander-in-chief, and his wife, the first lady.”

Padrino mentioned the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice to appoint Rodriguez as acting president, thereby delegating to her all the powers and competencies of the head of state. He added that the army supports the previously issued decree introducing a state of external threat.

“We are therefore implementing, throughout the entire geographical area of ​​the country and in perfect unity of the people, army and police, full operational readiness to ensure the freedom, independence and sovereignty of the people, guaranteeing the democratic and constitutional continuity of the Venezuelan state,” the statement said.

Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and taken out of the country by American special forces during an operation carried out on Saturday morning local time. Then they were sent to the USA, where they are to stand trial, accused of crimes related to drugs and terrorism.

US President Donald Trump suggested on Saturday that Rodriguez, who took over from Maduro, had agreed to cooperate with the United States. Rodriguez herself, during a televised speech, described Maduro as the “only president” of the country and demanded his release. (PAP)

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