(CNN)As Venezuela’s self-appointed interim president reportedly works behind the scenes to win over the armed forces, even offering them amnesty for past crimes, the country’s defense minister said Monday that the military is “ready to die” for its homeland.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino tweeted the statement as Venezuela’s opposition, led by Juan Guaido, head of the National Assembly, called for massive rallies to demand President Nicolas Maduro’s ouster, and as Maduro claims the United States has orchestrated a coup to topple him.
On Monday, Maduro slammed US National Security Adviser John Bolton, accusing Bolton and US President Donald Trump’s government of openly calling for a coup from Washington.
