Large part of Maduro’s security team was killed in US military operation, says Venezuela’s defence chief

A large part of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s security team was killed during Saturday’s US operation, the country’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said Sunday, Anadolu reports.

In a televised speech, Padrino accused the US military personnel who carried out operation of “cold-bloodedly murdering a large part of (Maduro’s) security team, soldiers, and innocent citizens.”

He did not give further details about the number of victims.

Padrino also called Maduro the country’s “authentic and legitimate leader.”

His remarks came a day after President Donald Trump said US military action on Saturday resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, pledging to assert American control over the country for the time being, with US troops if necessary.

Trump had accused Maduro of overseeing drug shipments into the US and holding power illegitimately through election fraud. Maduro, who is currently in custody at a New York detention facility pending drug charges, has rejected the allegations, and officials in Caracas have called for his release.

Padrino also demanded the “swift” release of Maduro and his wife.

“We demand that the world pay close attention to everything that is happening against Venezuela, against its sovereignty and Constitution,” he added.

After the US captured Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Court directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to “immediately” assume the post of acting president.

READ: US operation in Venezuela kills at least 40 people: Report