Vladimir Padrino López, Vice President for Defense and Sovereignty, affirmed that the nation remains vigilant and alert to any situation that may threaten the physical and sovereign security of the Venezuelan people. This statement follows detailed denounces made by President Nicolás Maduro.
The Minister of People’s Power for Defense explained in a press conference that President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of a military deployment in the Caribbean Sea. He noted that this includes destroyer ships, drones and helicopters targeting Venezuela, with the intention of portraying the country as a narco-state.
The senior official categorized as absurd the attempt to shift the epicenter of the drug trafficking problem to Venezuela. He criticized the media and ultra-right wing spokespersons for presenting irregular armed groups to the world as an inherently Venezuelan problem, seeking to shift their responsibility.
In this regard, he emphasized that the Venezuelan people is a victim of armed groups that originated «on the other side of the border in Colombia,» as a fruit of the struggle for social justice in that country.
As a sign of the preparedness of the national forces, the minister reported that up to date no casualties have been registered in the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB). He emphasized that this demonstrates the high level of training and combat effectiveness of the men and women who defend the homeland.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the FANB, whose members are essentially dedicated to the defense of the nation, even at the cost of their own lives, remaining in a state of permanent alert to protect sovereignty.