Venezuelan troops ‘ready to die’ for their homeland, defense minister says
(CNN)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.
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.
Related Posts
About The Author
