Venezuelan troops 'ready to die' for their homeland, defense minister says
Tuesday, 29th January 2019

As Venezuela's self-appointed interim president reportedly works behind the scenes to win over the armed forces, even offering them amnesty for past crimes, the country's defense minister said Monday that the military is "ready to die" for its homeland.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino tweeted the statement as Venezuela's opposition, led by Juan Guaido, head of the National Assembly, called for massive rallies to demand President Nicolas Maduro's ouster, and as Maduro claims the United States has orchestrated a coup to topple him.
On Monday, Maduro slammed US National Security Adviser John Bolton, accusing Bolton and US President Donald Trump's government of openly calling for a coup from Washington.
Speaking in a television address live on state broadcaster VTV, Maduro said, "So now John Bolton openly calls for a coup from Washington, he did so desperately today, with his wild eyes, full of hate, and I tell you John Bolton: John Bolton, in Venezuela what we will have is democracy and respect for this constitution. In Venezuela our armed forces are not coup-mongers." In the same address, Maduro said he holds Trump responsible for any "bloodshed" that might occur in Venezuela.
Maduro took a blow Saturday as Venezuela's military attaché in Washington, Col. José Luis Silva Silva, defected and said he stands with Guaido in the power struggle. Observers say control of the military is key to forcing new elections.
Padrino's remarks, delivered on the official Defense Ministry account, praised Venezuela's military for taking a moral high ground in the face of American "imperialists."
"It is time for revolutionary, Bolivarian, patriotic activism," Padrino tweeted. "This is the activism that today empowers us in this new phase of defending our homeland. We are not going to hand it over! We are ready to die for it!"
(CNN)
Monika Walker is an experienced journalist specializing in global political developments and international relations. With a keen eye for accuracy and analysis, Monika has been reporting for over a decade, bringing stories to light that matter to readers around the world. She holds a degree in International Journalism and is passionate about giving a voice to underrepresented communities through factual reporting.
Latest
- Antigua: Brother of UPP MP Algernon Watts dies at KFC drive-...
-
Guyana: 18-year-old ‘Hammer’ charged with murder of 16-year-... -
Jamaican-British Actor Michael Ward charged with multiple se... -
Trinidad and Tobago flash floods: Firefighters save man clin... -
Lucian Carnival 2025: Global Celebrities and Influencers shi...