Caracas: Reports that Venezuela’s Defense Minister, Padrino L³pez, was killed as a result of US air strikes have turned out to be false, APA reports, citing foreign media. Padrino L³pez has since released a video address, firmly stating that they would not surrender and were determined to achieve victory.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Venezuela’s Defense Minister has announced an immediate deployment of military forces across the country in response to the alleged aggression. In a video address delivered in Spanish, Vladimir Padrino L³pez called for a united front of resistance, describing the situation as “the worst aggression” ever against Venezuela. He emphasized that Venezuela was acting under ‘Maduro’s orders’ and that all armed forces would be deployed, asserting, “They’ve attacked us but they will not subdue us.”
Additionally, it has been announced that Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodrguez, survived the air strikes and is reported to assume the duties of the president in the current crisis. Despite earlier reports from RIA Novosti cited by APA about the death of Padrino L³pez due to air strikes, there has been no official confirmation of his demise. These reports also suggested strikes on the defense minister’s residence.
The situation remains tense as the whereabouts of Venezuelan President Nicol¡s Maduro are currently unknown following the strikes. The uncertainty has led to mass departures from Caracas, with significant traffic jams observed at the city’s exits as residents seek safety amidst the escalating tensions.