Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a seven-day national mourning period Tuesday. The mourning honors victims of the US military attack that led to President Nicolas Maduro’s capture.
Rodriguez addressed state television: “A message for our new martyrs who gave their lives defending the homeland. I decided to declare seven days of mourning in honor and glory of the young, women, and men who fell defending Venezuela and President Nicolas Maduro.”
Gratitude to fallen defenders
Rodriguez expressed gratitude to the fallen: “Images of the bodies pierced my soul, but I know they fell as martyrs for this democracy.”
The US military operation resulted in at least 55 deaths: 23 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban security forces members. Civilian casualty figures remain unknown, with some sources reporting 70-80 total deaths.
Rodriguez assumes leadership
Vice President since 2018, Rodriguez took oath as interim president Monday before parliament. The supreme court and military backed her ascension.
Earlier Tuesday, she rejected US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that America “governs” Venezuela: “The Venezuelan government administers our country, no one else. No foreigner governs Venezuela.”
Also read: What to expect of Maduro and Cilia Flores’ trial
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
