Venezuelan President declares readiness to repel any aggression from Colombia

SANAA, Feb. 18 (YPA) – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared the military readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty if it is subjected to any “aggression” by Colombia.

“I have assured the National Armed Forces of the Bolivarian Republic that it must respond firmly to the reckless statements of (Colombian President) Ivan Duque about Venezuela,” Maduro said in a televised speech on Wednesday.

“He must be answered if he dares to violate Venezuela’s sovereignty,” Maduro said.

Venezuela and Colombia have always exchanged accusations of hostile moves by the other side.

The Venezuelan President has repeatedly accused Colombia of preparing a coup against him, while Colombia accuses the Venezuelan authorities of supporting leftist rebel groups within Colombian territory.

E.M