Iran Press/America: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called for military exercises in response to US President Donald Trump's threat of possible military action.
After US pledged full support to the self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, not ruling out a military intervention, Maduro said the National Armed Forces must be prepared to defend Venezuela "in any scenario" and announced massive exercises between February 10 and 15, RT reported.
During the war games, he said, the troops will repel a simulated invasion and enhance their skills in defending the territories, coast and waterways of the Latin American state.
"'We are preparing for the most important military exercises in our history," Maduro reiterated on Sunday while inspecting preparations for the military exercises.
According to a series of video he posted on Twitter, over the weekend Maduro visited the 41th Armored Brigade at Fort Paramacay, as well as the Naval Base Agustin Armario, in the city of Puerto Cabello, located in the north-central state of Carabobo.
Despite Guaido promising amnesty to soldiers and officers, Venezuelan army has largely disavowed the self-proclaimed leader and pledged to defend national sovereignty, according to Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
Guaido, who took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5, proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday, 23 January.
The United States has signaled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Maduro from power.
Maduro has condemned the decision of a number of countries to recognize Guaido as Venezuela’s acting president, and broke diplomatic ties with Washington. 101/205/213
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