Maduro Says Troops Are Ready to Defend 'National Sovereignty'

The Venezuelan military stands “ready and prepared to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Nicholas Maduro said during a speech to soldiers in Carabobo state on January 27.

Maduro was speaking days after the country’s opposition leader, Juan Guaido, declared himself the interim president, quickly backed by countries including the US, Canada, Brazil and Colombia.

Maduro was attending military exercises at Fort Paramacay. Local media quoted him as saying “we have to make the Venezuelan nation respect military power.” Credit: Nicolas Maduro via Storyful