Venezuelans hold rally in Caracas demanding release of Maduro, his wife | World News

Thousands of people marched in the Venezuelan capital Caracas to demand the release of the country’s President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, a month after they were forcibly captured during the US military operation in Venezuela.

Miranda state Governor Elio Serrano said the mobilization showed people’s determination to tell the world they were still standing, adding that the country’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, had “the support of the people,” Xinhua news agency reported.

Jenny Escobar, president of the Venezuelan Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, said the rally reaffirmed the public’s loyalty and steadfast support for Maduro and Flores.

Protesters continued the demonstrations held since January 3, marching from Plaza Venezuela towards Urdaneta Boulevard in the center of Caracas.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) expressed support for acting president Delcy Rodriguez’s efforts towards national reconciliation and unity on Tuesday, according to a statement by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

The statement published on Telegram came exactly one month after the USA forcibly captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a military raid.

Padrino stated that despite the “open wounds”, the FANB supports Rodriguez’s efforts to strengthen the democratic system and take the necessary measures to facilitate the return of Maduro and Flores.

“A month ago, Venezuela was attacked by the world’s largest nuclear power in an unprecedented and disproportionate military operation,” Padrino said. He praised the Venezuelan troops who responded with the available tools and forces.

He emphasized that the military remained loyal to the Constitution and the acting president.