Venezuela and Russia on Saturday called on the United States to provide proof that President Nicolas Maduro is alive following claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces had captured the Venezuelan leader.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez made the demand during a telephone interview with state television, saying the government had not the been informed of the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, after reported US military strikes on Caracas and other cities.
According to Rodriguez, the absence of official information from Washington has raised serious concerns, prompting calls for immediate clarification on the condition and location of the president.
Earlier, President Trump had announced that US forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela and detained Maduro and his wife, claiming they were flown out of the country.
Russia also reacted strongly to the development, demanding urgent explanation from the United States over what it described as the forced removal of the Venezuelan president.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was alarmed by reports that Maduro and his wife were taken out of Venezuela during the US military action.
The ministry said Moscow was seeking immediate clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident, warning that the situation could further destabilise the region.
Meanwhile, several countries, including Iran and Cuba, have condemned the US operation, while Spain offered to help mediate toward a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the crisis.
The situation remains uncertain as international pressure mounts on Washington to account for Maduro’s status and ensure his safety.
