Venezuela's military reaffirmed its support for embattled President Nicolas Maduro yesterday said they were on "alert" for border violations following threats by US President Donald Trump who urged them to back opposition leader Juan Guaido.
"The armed forces will remain deployed and on alert along the borders to avoid any violations of territorial integrity," said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, reading out a statement in a public appearance alongside top commanders. "We reiterate unrestrictedly our obedience, subordination and loyalty" to Maduro, he added.
Maduro, 56, faces calls to quit as his country struggles with shortages of food and medicine. The military high command has so far maintained its public backing for Maduro seen as key to keeping him in power. Guaido, leader of the Venezuelan legislature, has declared himself acting president and is appealing to military leaders to switch allegiance to him.
He posted a series of tweets calling by name on senior military leaders commanding border posts to abandon Maduro, whom he has branded illegitimate over the socialist leader's disputed reelection last year. He is backed by the United States and some 50 other countries.