Caracas: Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has openly defied the United States following the US military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. President Maduro is "the only legitimate president of Venezuela," and his government remains in place to manage the nation's affairs, she declared in her first televised speech since the operation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Rodriguez condemned the US action as "flagrant aggression by colonial powers" and emphasized the need for respect for constitutional legitimacy. She called for the immediate release of President Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores. "We are ready to defend Venezuela. We are ready to defend our nation and our natural resources," Rodriguez asserted.
The Vice President's comments came after US President Donald J. Trump announced plans during a press conference to oversee the governance of Venezuela, with a particular focus on its oil sector.