WASHINGTON, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said on Sunday he is committed to ensuring the function of the country's government and legitimate institutions.
In a televised statement, the minister said the Venezuelan armed forces would play an essential role in this stage in a bid to ensure the protection of the country, voicing support for interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
He also underlined that all military, police and societal plans would be put in place to ensure the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Venezuela.
Earlier in the day, Venezuela's Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court assigned Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country's interim president following the US capturing of President Nicolas Maduro.
The court decision stipulated that Rodriguez, in her capacity as interim president, shall assume full responsibilities and exercise all powers granted to the presidency throughout his absence.
US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country," as he confirmed US military strikes in Venezuela.
"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a Truth Social post.
He added that the United States would run Venezuelan affairs during a transition period following the US military operation.
"We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said in a joint press conference with his War Secretary and State Secretary. (pickup previous) aam.mt