Venezuelan Vice President Rodriguez on Saturday reaffirmed that Nicolás Maduro remains “the only president” of Venezuela, denouncing the recent U.S. military operation targeting the country’s leadership.
Speaking live on state-run television, Rodriguez emphasized that Venezuela will never be a colony of any foreign power. Accompanied by key ministers, including those of interior and foreign affairs, she called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, urging citizens to stay calm, face challenges collectively, and defend national sovereignty.
Rodriguez also warned that similar attacks could target other nations in the region in the future, asserting that Venezuela is prepared to protect its natural resources and will resist becoming subjugated by any foreign power.
In the early hours of Saturday, the United States launched a large-scale military operation in Caracas, capturing Maduro and his wife. U.S. President Donald Trump later claimed that Rodriguez had been sworn in as president and noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio “just had a conversation” with her. Trump said she is ready to take actions the U.S. deems necessary to “make Venezuela great again.”
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The international community has expressed shock over the U.S. raid, condemning the use of force against a sovereign nation and its sitting president.