Venezuelan Military Supports Maduro Amid Election Dispute

Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has publicly pledged the military's 'absolute loyalty' to President Nicolas Maduro in the wake of disputes surrounding the recent presidential election results. Padrino's remarks came after opposition leaders Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado urged the armed forces to support the populace, which led to a criminal investigation against them for allegedly inciting disobedience. The opposition claims that Gonzalez rightfully won the election held on July 28, where Maduro declared victory amidst allegations of fraud and lack of transparency. Protests have erupted across the country, resulting in at least 11 civilian deaths and over 2,000 arrests, as opposition figures demand Maduro's resignation. In response to the unrest, Maduro has called for a boycott of certain social media platforms, claiming they promote division. The National Electoral Council has yet to publicly release complete voting records, further fueling the political crisis.