U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States would not station troops in Venezuela if the country's vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, acted according to Washington's wishes.

After Trump claimed that the White House would lead Venezuelan political power until they believe a "safe transition" can be achieved, U.S. media asked him, "Will American troops be stationed there to assist in governing the country?"

Responding to this, the leader said: "No, if Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, acts according to our requirements, we won't have to do so."

However, Trump mentioned that they were "prepared" and reiterated that they were ready for "a second wave of attacks much larger than the first."

The Only President

According to the White House owner, his government has "had multiple conversations with Rodríguez" **and "she understands this."

Although Trump claimed that the vice president had taken over as the interim leader of Venezuela, Rodríguez stated in a televised address that the "only president" of the South American country is Maduro, and called for the release of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were kidnapped during the attack early Saturday morning.

In a press conference, Trump warned that Washington might launch another attack on Venezuela if necessary. "We are prepared to launch a second attack, and if necessary, it will be much larger," he declared.

"An Extremely Severe Military Aggression"

Venezuela issued a statement on Saturday regarding the U.S. airstrikes on Caracas city "as well as Miranda State, Aragua State, and La Guaira State," calling it "an extremely severe military aggression."

"This action openly violates the UN Charter, particularly Article I and II, which contain the principles of respecting sovereignty, equality of state laws, and the prohibition of the use of force. Such acts of aggression threaten international peace and stability, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, and put the lives of millions in serious danger," a official statement noted.

In the text, Caracas warned that the attack's "purpose is nothing but to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral resources, attempting to break the country's political independence by force."

Despite the pressure, Venezuela warned the U.S.: "You will not succeed. After more than two centuries of independence, our people and their legitimate government firmly defend sovereignty and the inalienable right to decide their own destiny. This attempt, in collusion with fascist oligarchic groups, to impose a colonial war to destroy the republic and push for 'regime change' will fail, just like all previous attempts."

In this situation, the Venezuelan president ordered the implementation of an external defense status throughout the country, aimed at "protecting the people's rights, ensuring the full operation of republican institutions, and immediately entering an armed struggle state."

"The entire nation must mobilize to defeat this imperialist aggression," the statement noted. At the same time, Caracas stated that it would submit appeals to the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and the Non-Aligned Movement, demanding "condemnation of the U.S. government and holding it accountable."

Original: toutiao.com/article/7591298208110903849/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.