Caracas (EFE).- This Sunday, the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) condemned the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which it described as a “cowardly kidnapping.” In a statement, the FANB asserted that this action was carried out “after cold-bloodedly assassinating a large part” of the security team of the Chavista leader. In the announcement made by Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López during a broadcast on the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), the high military command of Venezuela expressed its unity and cohesion in the face of what they described as an “imperial aggression,” referring to the American attacks that occurred on Saturday in Caracas. In this context, it declared that Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president of the country and demanded his “swift release” alongside First Lady Cilia Flores, who was also detained by the United States. “President Nicolás Maduro is the true and legitimate constitutional leader of all Venezuelans,” it emphasised. However, the military admitted the ruling of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ), which on Saturday night ruled that Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s Executive Vice President, should assume the role of interim president of the country. Additionally, it assured that the high command fully supports the decree of external commotion issued the previous day, which grants the State special powers to act in conflict situations.
