03.01.2026 13:52
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who is claimed to have been killed in attacks on his country, released a video from a shelter. Condemning the attacks on his country and calling on the international community to stand against these assaults, Lopez said, "They have attacked us, but they will not defeat us. We will win."
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who is claimed to have been killed in attacks in the capital Caracas, released a video from a shelter on his Facebook page. Lopez stated that his country is the target of "U.S. attacks aimed at seizing strategic resources and changing its government" and called on the international community to condemn the U.S.
DEFENSE MINISTER CALLS ON THE PUBLIC TO CONDEMN THE U.S.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Lopez said, "The people of Venezuela have been the target of the most brutal military attacks carried out by the U.S. government."
Lopez stated that the attacks targeted the Fuerte Tiuna Military Base in the capital Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, expressing that civilian settlements have been bombed and that efforts are ongoing to gather information on casualties.
Lopez drew attention to the fact that the attacks threaten peace and stability in the region, calling on the international community and all multilateral organizations to "condemn the U.S., which clearly violates the United Nations Charter and international law."
"THEY ATTACKED US BUT THEY WILL NOT DEFEAT US"
Lopez pointed out that the attacks were carried out due to the U.S.'s "greed" for Venezuela's strategic resources, emphasizing that the attacks, conducted under the pretext of "drug trafficking," aim to force a change of government in Venezuela and to make Venezuela submit to the false plans of U.S. imperialism.
Lopez, stating "They attacked us but they will not defeat us," called on the people to maintain unity, resistance, and calm.
Lopez said, "Let us show the world how strong we are. Let us be resilient against challenges and implement all national defense plans we have prepared. Therefore, we fully support the decision to declare a national emergency throughout the country in accordance with the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the State of Emergency Law, and the National Security Law."
"WE WILL USE ALL WEAPON SYSTEMS"
Lopez stated that they would act in accordance with the decree declaring a state of emergency due to "external intervention" and noted that they would implement the instructions of President Nicolas Maduro.
Lopez emphasized that the people, military, and police would "use all weapon systems at their disposal for comprehensive defense."
Explosion sounds were heard in various regions of the country, especially in the capital Caracas.
In a statement from the Venezuelan government, the U.S. was held responsible for the attacks, and it was noted that President Maduro signed a decree declaring a "state of emergency due to external intervention" nationwide.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Explosions occurred in four cities, including the capital Caracas, in Venezuela. A state of emergency was declared in the country, which experienced great panic. Trump stated, "The U.S. has successfully carried out a large-scale attack operation against Venezuela and President Maduro. Maduro has been captured along with his wife and taken out of the country."
THE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT BY DELTA FORCE SPECIAL UNIT
U.S. officials speaking to CBS News reported that the operation to capture Maduro was conducted by Delta Force, one of the elite units of the U.S. military.
Two U.S. officials, who spoke to CBS News and requested not to be named for security reasons, claimed that the attacks were considered to be carried out on Christmas Day, but this plan was postponed due to the prioritization of U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria. The officials also argued that the operation was delayed for a while due to adverse weather conditions in the days following Christmas.