JAKARTA - The Minister of Defense of Venezuela asked the world to pay attention to what was happening to the sovereignty and constitution of his country, following the attacks by the United States at the weekend.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Sunday that most of the security team of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro were killed during a US operation on Saturday.
In a televised speech, Defense Minister Padrino accused the US military personnel who carried out the operation of "ruthlessly killing most of the security team (Maduro), soldiers, and innocent civilians," Anadolu quoted (5/1).
However, the Venezuelan Minister of Defense did not provide further details about the number of casualties.
Furthermore, Minister of Defense Padrino also referred to President Maduro as the "authentic and legitimate leader" of the country.
Minister of Defense Padrino also demanded the "quick" release of President Maduro and his wife.
"We demand that the world pay close attention to everything that is happening to Venezuela, to its sovereignty and Constitution," he said.
His statement came a day after President Donald Trump said US military action on Saturday resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and promised to enforce American control over the country for a time, with US forces if necessary.
President Trump accused President Maduro of overseeing drug shipments to the US and holding power illegally through electoral fraud.
On the other hand, President Maduro, who is currently detained in a New York detention facility on drug charges, has denied the allegations, and officials in Caracas have called for his release.
After the US arrested Maduro, the Venezuelan Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to "immediately" take over the interim presidency.
Minister of Defense Padrino emphasized that the Venezuelan military had provided its support to Rodriguez.
"We fully support the Decree on the State of External Emergency throughout the national territory, which has been signed earlier," he said.
Minister of Defense Padrino said the country's armed forces would continue to use "all available capabilities" for security, maintenance of internal order, and preservation of peace.
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