Maduro praises the National Guard amid protests and political tension in Venezuela.

In a climate of intense tension and controversy, Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, addressed the Bolivarian National Guard at a commemorative event for its 87th anniversary, where he expressed his gratitude for the "exemplary conduct" of the military forces in response to the recent protests that have erupted following his reelection. These demonstrations, which have been labeled as a response to what the opposition denounces as electoral fraud, have resulted in at least 11 civilian deaths and over 2,000 detentions, according to reports from human rights organizations. During the event, Maduro insisted that his government is facing an "imperialist coup," referring to what he considers foreign interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. He claimed that the National Guard has been a "backbone of peace" and expressed his firm support for the military, which has faced criticism for its actions in handling the protests. The context of these demonstrations dates back to the elections on July 28, where the National Electoral Council, controlled by the government, proclaimed Maduro the winner with 52% of the votes, surpassing opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who received 43%. However, the opposition has rejected the results and denounced significant irregularities during the electoral process. In his speech, Maduro also extended condolences to the families of two National Guard members who died during the clashes. He referred to them as "murdered in the ambushes of criminals," a rhetoric that seeks to frame the protests as acts of violence promoted by opposition groups, whom the government has associated with destabilizing agendas. The situation in Venezuela has attracted international attention, with many countries deciding not to recognize the legitimacy of Maduro's reelection. To date, nations such as the United States, Canada, several European Union countries, and members of the Organization of American States (OAS) have expressed their refusal to accept the results, arguing that the elections were neither free nor fair. In this context, the Venezuelan president has called for unity and the defense of the "people" against what he considers an external threat. "Fascism in Venezuela will not seize power. I am willing to do anything," he proclaimed, emphasizing his readiness to take drastic measures to maintain control. This statement reflects the climate of polarization and conflict that permeates Venezuelan politics. The protests, which began following Maduro's proclamation, have been met with harsh repression. Criticism of the military's response has been swift, and human rights groups have denounced the excessive use of force, raising concerns about respect for citizens' fundamental rights during these interventions. Maduro's government has defended its actions, arguing that it is a struggle for national sovereignty and stability in the country. However, the opposition, largely led by figures who have rejected the legitimacy of the current regime, continues to organize protests and seek international support for their claims. The situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, with a landscape darkening as tensions rise and protests intensify. The international community watches closely as the Caribbean nation faces a critical moment in its recent history, marked by the struggle for power, human rights, and the political future of the country.