Venezuelan defense chief accuses opposition, US of orchestrating coup amid violent protests

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez denounced an alleged coup attempt Tuesday that was instigated by the opposition and the US amid violent protests that have left deaths, injuries and hundreds detained by Nicolas Maduro's government.

Lopez, accompanied by top military commanders, said at a news conference that a coup was forged following Maduro's reelection in general elections on Sunday.

“We are in the presence of a coup d'état forged once again by these fascist elements of the extremist right, supported by the imperial elements, US imperialism together with its sepoys and lackeys," he said.

Maduro opponents took to the streets to denounce fraud that sparked violent clashes with police and the military.

The protests instigated by Maduro's supporters and opponents have left at least seven people dead and 44 wounded, most by firearms.

Lopez said 23 military personnel and 25 police officers had been wounded and a National Guard sergeant died in northern Venezuela, from a gunshot wound to his neck.

Venezuela's Prosecutor Tarek William Saab said Tuesday that 749 had been arrested during the protests and could be potentially charged with terrorism. He warned that the number of arrests could increase.

After the National Electoral Council announced that Maduro won the elections with more than 50% of the vote to secure his third consecutive term, the opposition bloc led by Marina Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez said the elections were rigged and claimed that Gonzalez legitimately won the election with 70% of the vote.

Gonzalez shared a video on X that urged the military and police to stop the "violent repression" and to uphold the results of the elections.

"We urge the security forces and our armed forces to respect the will of Venezuelans expressed on July 28 and stop the repression of peaceful demonstrations. You know what happened on Sunday; comply with your oath. The constitution is above all," he wrote.

Lopez, however, said the protests were “absurd” and “implausible,” and assured that the great majority of Venezuelans supported Maduro's reelection.

"We will defeat this coup once again. No one can overcome the conscience of an entire people, no one can overcome the moral strength of an institution like the Armed Forces," said Lopez.