VENEZUELA-CRISIS-DEFENSE-PADRINO

(Bottom row) Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez (C) delivers a press conference in Caracas, along with General Jesus Suarez Chourio General Commander of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (L), Commandant of the Armed Forces Strategic Command Operations Remigio Ceballos (2-L), General Jose Adelino Ornelas Ferreira High Command Chief of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (2-R) and Admiral Giuseppe Alessandrello Cimadevilla Commander of the Bolivarian National Navy, "in support of the constitutional president", Nicolas Maduro on January 24, 2019. - Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro prepared to rally his military supporters Thursday as the US and key allies backed a challenge from his leading rival who declared himself "acting president." Padrino Lopez said the military would show "backing for the sovereignty" of Venezuela. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)