Caracas: The Venezuelan army has formally pledged its loyalty to the acting president, Delcy Rodrguez, during a ceremony held in the capital city, nearly a month after the country's long-time leader, Nicol¡s Maduro, was detained by the United States. The appointment of Rodrguez as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces marks a significant development in the nation's ongoing political crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, all branches of the Venezuelan armed forces, along with key government officials, participated in the ceremony. The event was conducted to formally recognize Rodrguez's leadership following Maduro's apprehension on January 3rd by US special forces. The Venezuelan Defense Minister, Ministers of Interior and Justice, and the President of the National Assembly were among those who attended the ceremony, underscoring the military's support for Rodrguez.
The political tension in Venezuela continues as opposition leaders seek the safe return of political exiles. A group of students, led by the president of the Central Student Federation, recently demanded the release of over 200 political prisoners detained following protests against the 2024 presidential election results, which they claim were manipulated by Maduro. Rodrguez has stated that 626 individuals have been released, while human rights organizations report the release of 104 political prisoners from their groups.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Gorina Machado, currently in exile, has also been engaging with international leaders. After meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Machado expressed her desire to return to Venezuela with assurances of safety, a sentiment shared by many other exiled political leaders and Venezuelans globally who are eager to return to their homeland.