The government of Venezuela has declared a state of emergency that applies to the entire territory of the country.

This decision was made after a large-scale US attack on Caracas and other regions, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, InfoDefensa reports.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez issued a statement on behalf of the army, confirming full support for the government decree. He emphasized that the army remains “united and cohesive” in the face of external aggression.

In an address on state television, Padrino called Maduro’s seizure a “cowardly kidnapping.” He added that this happened after the “cold-blooded murder” of a part of the presidential guard.

The Bolivarian National Armed Forces called on citizens to remain calm and avoid internal conflicts. The military leadership emphasized that the main task now is to ensure stability and order in the country.

According to official data, the US attacks covered not only Caracas, but also the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Both military and civilian targets were damaged, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency.

The decree on the Commonwealth of Venezuela activates Article 338 of the Venezuelan Constitution. This allows the government to temporarily restrict certain freedoms, including movement and assembly, but at the same time guarantees the preservation of basic rights of citizens.

Previously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the main instrument of pressure remains the military “quarantine” blockade of oil exports.

According to him, the sanctions and control over tankers will continue until Caracas opens the state oil company to foreign investment, especially American.

US officials have stated that they do not rule out further deployment of troops in Venezuela if it is in American interests.

Rubio emphasized that the large-scale deployment of the fleet in the Caribbean will continue to block the regime’s revenues.

The US Navy official also said that since the operation in Venezuela, there have been no significant changes in the composition of the US naval forces in the region. (MILITARNYI)