Army and Police in Venezuela Pledge Loyalty to Acting President Rodríguez

SadaNews - The Venezuelan army and police pledged loyalty to the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, whom U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of the fate of President Nicolás Maduro if she refused to cooperate with her country.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino told Rodríguez on Wednesday after presenting her with a symbolic stick and sword of independence hero Simón Bolívar, "We swear absolute loyalty and obedience," adding, "This is an unprecedented moment in the history of our republic."

The influential Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello also pledged loyalty on behalf of the police forces.

The two officials took the oath of loyalty before Venezuela's first female president during a military parade that featured over 3,000 soldiers and police officers.

The army's pledge carries special significance, considering that it was the main supporter of Maduro when he faced the pressures and sanctions imposed by Washington on his leftist regime since he took power following Hugo Chávez in 2013.

Cabello, who was viewed as a behind-the-scenes supporter of Maduro's government, considered supporting Rodríguez to be crucial, stating, "Because we believe that defending her rule is defending the continuity of the government and the unity of the Venezuelan people."

Rodríguez is seeking to rally support for her leadership, walking a tightrope as she attempts to please both Maduro's loyalists and U.S. President Donald Trump simultaneously.

American Warning

On the American side, during a session before the Senate yesterday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the new leaders of Venezuela are heading toward closer relations with Washington after Maduro's arrest, and he expected the American embassy to reopen soon. However, he threatened the use of force if the acting president refused to cooperate.

In a prepared written statement made to the Senate, the minister stated that Delcy Rodríguez "is fully aware of Maduro's fate," adding, "Let no one be mistaken, we are ready, as the president said, to use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other means fail."

President Donald Trump had instructed his administration to work with Rodríguez but warned of further military actions if her government did not comply with American demands.

Trump stated that Rodríguez could remain in her position as long as she complies with the requests made of her, particularly granting the United States access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Rubio said that while Trump did not rule out any options, "we are not in a position where we have to take any military action in Venezuela, nor do we intend to or expect that," referring to the administration's approval of what Rodríguez is providing.

U.S. forces abducted Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military attack on the capital Caracas on January 3 and took them to New York to be tried on charges of drug trafficking to the United States.

Source: Agencies