Venezuela announces countermeasures after US attack

Venezuela has announced countermeasures following a United States military attack, saying that a comprehensive national defence plan has now been activated.

On Saturday, January 3, in the early hours of the morning, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that, under prior instructions from President Nicolás Maduro, the entire country is now operating under defence protocols.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said a “single combat block” would be formed through coordination between the armed forces and the police.

Meanwhile, the United States has confirmed the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Vice President Rodríguez said that amid the brutal attack, their whereabouts remain unknown.

In response, Venezuela has demanded proof from the United States that they are alive and has reiterated earlier warnings issued by Maduro about how the country would respond to US aggression.

Rodríguez said the first instruction given by President Maduro to the Venezuelan people was to take to the streets, organise as militias and activate the nation’s full-scale defence plan.