Venezuela’s Defense Minister Condemns U.S. Bombardment, Activates Full Military Capabilities
Padrino López Denounces “Criminal Aggression” as Caracas Declares State of External Emergency
Venezuela | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Venezuela’s Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, issued the first official military briefing on Saturday following U.S. air and missile strikes across the country, condemning what he described as a “criminal military aggression” by the United States and announcing the activation of Venezuela’s full national defense capabilities.
Speaking on January 3, Padrino López stated that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) have been ordered to deploy all available resources to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and civilian population.
Missile Strikes Confirmed on Caracas and Multiple States
According to the Defense Minister, missile impacts were confirmed at the Fort Tiuna in Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
He noted that the attacks occurred during the early morning hours and struck urban areas inhabited by civilians. Authorities are currently gathering verified information regarding potential casualties, including injured and deceased civilians.
Nationwide Military Deployment Ordered by President Maduro
Padrino López confirmed that, following direct instructions from President Nicolás Maduro, the FANB has initiated a massive nationwide defense deployment.
The operation includes the mobilization of land, air, naval, riverine, and missile units under what he described as a “perfect fusion of the people, the military, and the police”, forming a unified combat and defense front across the country.
State of External Emergency Declared
Invoking Venezuela’s Constitution, the Organic Law on States of Exception, and the Organic Law of National Security, the government has formally decreed a state of external emergency throughout the national territory.
The measure authorizes the full activation of national defense plans aimed at protecting the population, restoring public order, and countering foreign aggression.
Caracas Files International Complaint Against Washington
Padrino López announced that Venezuela has submitted an urgent and forceful complaint to the international community and multilateral organizations, demanding condemnation of Washington for its flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.
“This vile and cowardly attack threatens peace and stability across the region,” he said, calling on global institutions to hold the U.S. government accountable.
Rejection of Foreign Troops and Regime-Change Agenda
The Defense Minister categorically rejected the presence of foreign troops on Venezuelan soil, describing the assault as an “ultraje” driven by the “insatiable greed for Venezuela’s strategic resources”, including oil and minerals.
He dismissed U.S. claims of fighting narcotrafficking or terrorism as a pretext, asserting that the true objective is forced regime change and the destruction of Venezuela’s political independence.
Call for Unity and National Resolve
In closing, Padrino López invoked the legacy of Venezuela’s liberators, affirming that “dignity is not negotiable, and the homeland is a supreme value.”
He called on the Venezuelan people to remain calm, united, and resolute, stressing that national steadfastness is the country’s shield against fear, chaos, and foreign aggression, as all national defense plans move into full execution. (PW)
Source: TeleSur TV