The 29 Comprehensive Defense Operational Zones (ZODI) of Venezuela have expressed their rejection of the recent sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union against officials of the Venezuelan State. ZODI commanders have described these sanctions as illegal and contrary to international law.
In a statement, the commanders noted that these sanctions were announced on the same day that Nicolás Maduro Moros, reelected president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, was sworn in for his new 2025-2031 term. According to the commanders, this action seeks to destabilize the military leadership and overshadow the presidential investiture, reports VTV.
The commander of ZODI No. 71 of Nueva Esparta, V/A Carlos Luque Solórzano, condemned the sanctions and reaffirmed his commitment to the peace and sovereignty of Venezuela. For his part, the commander of ZODI No. 61 Delta Amacuro, G/D Richard José Rondón Liendo, rejected the sanctions that affect 11 Venezuelan officials, such as that of the sectoral vice president of Political Sovereignty, Security and Peace, and Minister of Power Popular for Defense, G/J Vladimir Padrino López.
The commander of the ZODI No. 63 of Amazonas, G/D Lionel Raúl Sojo Rada, also expressed his rejection of the imperialist measures and reaffirmed his support for the Bolivarian Revolution. ZODI commanders across the country have reiterated their determination to obey the popular mandate expressed in the July 28, 2024 elections.
Likewise, the commanders highlighted the importance of the popular-military-police fusion to defend the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela. In addition, they expressed their solidarity with the public servants affected by the sanctions and reaffirmed their commitment to the fight for freedom and self-determination.
The ZODI commanders stressed that these sanctions will not weaken the dignity of Venezuelans and, on the contrary, will strengthen their convictions of honor and dignity. They emphasized that the fight for Venezuela’s sovereignty will continue with greater force. Finally, they called on the international community to respect the sovereignty of Venezuela and cease actions that seek to destabilize the country. They reiterated their unconditional support for President Nicolás Maduro and the Bolivarian Revolution.
