A Venezuelan air force general has defected from the administration of President Nicolas Maduro and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leader’s rule.
General Francisco Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Mr Maduro’s government since January 23, when National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself the country’s legitimate leader.
In a YouTube video, Gen Yanez said: “The transition to democracy is imminent.”
The officer later confirmed he would not give further statements until given authorisation by “the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force which is President Juan Guaido”.
Nicolas Maduro’s dictatorship is destroying Venezuela. For too long, the people of Venezuela have suffered under the heavy hand of oppression. But now, there is hope. We are with the people of Venezuela, we stand with them, and we will stay with them until democracy is restored. pic.twitter.com/eDlKWjXNiC
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 2, 2019
In the video, Gen Yanez claimed that “90%” of the country’s armed forces are against Mr Maduro.
