Caracas: Venezuela’s armed forces have declared a state of operational preparedness to defend national sovereignty following what authorities described as hostile actions by the United States, according to Venezuelan state media reports
Military officials announced that the alert was imposed to protect the country’s territorial integrity and strategic resources amid what the government characterized as an external threat.
State media reported that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been recognized by the military as interim president, after President Nicolas Maduro was allegedly abducted. Rodríguez later addressed the nation, declaring her loyalty to Maduro and stating that he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela.
“President Nicolas Maduro has been abducted,” Rodríguez said in a televised address, adding that those responsible would be “clearly identified and held accountable.”
Rodríguez said Venezuela would take “all necessary measures” to defend its sovereignty and warned that the country would not submit to foreign domination or allow the seizure or occupation of its natural resources.
“Venezuela will not become anyone’s colony,” she said, calling on citizens to show unity and solidarity in defense of the nation.
The defense minister echoed those remarks, describing the reported U.S. action as “a threat to global peace and international law.” He warned that the situation in Venezuela could set a precedent for other nations.
“What happened to us today could happen to any country,” the minister said, according to media reports.
There has been no independent confirmation of the claims, and U.S. officials had not immediately commented at the time of reporting.
