Venezuela's defense minister says armed forces remain with Maduro

Name: Venezuela's defense minister says armed forces remain with Maduro
Uploaded: 4/30/2019 5:18:12 PM
Description: Venezuelan Defense Minister said on Tuesday that the armed forces remained “firmly in defense” of the “legitimate” government of President Nicolas Maduro, after opposition leader Juan Guaido said he had the military’s support.

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 17:23 [ Last Update: Friday, 04 October 2019 12:00 ]

Venezuelan Defense Minister said on Tuesday that the armed forces remained “firmly in defense” of the “legitimate” government of President Nicolas Maduro, after opposition leader Juan Guaido said he had the military’s support.

Iran Press/America: Vladimir Padrino, in a series of Twitter posts, said all military units across the country had reported “normality” in their barracks and military bases, Iran Press reported.

The head of the Venezuelan military, says on Twitter that the armed forces are staying loyal to Maduro. He’s also hitting out at the “cowards” and “traitors” behind the coup. He tweeted:

"The armed forces remain firm in their defence of the national constitution and the legitimate authorities. All military units deployed in the eight defence regions report things are normal in the barracks and military bases, which are under the command of their local commanders.

We reject this coup movement, which seeks to fill our country with violence. The pseudo-leaders at the head of this subversive movement are using troops and police officers armed with combat weapons on the streets of the city to stir up anxiety and terror.

You’re a bunch of cowards! We will remain firm in the defence of constitutional order and the peace of the republic, backed up by law, history and what is right. Ever loyal, never traitors!"

The Trump administration is trying to apply economic pressure to Venezuela's left-leaning government, headed by president Nicolas Maduro, and at the same time the administration has also threatened to take military action against Venezuela.

Venezuela's opposition, so keen to get rid of Maduro, are also egging on the Trump administration to take military action against Caracas.

The new political crisis in Venezuela began when Guaido called himself president on 23 January, with the Trump administration immediately backing his claim. The Venezuelan government described Guido's action as an attempted coup d'etat against the elected president Nicholas Maduro.