Venezuelan vice president: Maduro is 'the only president' of Venezuela

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said on Saturday that Nicolás Maduro is "the only legitimate president" of the South American nation.

Rodriguez made the statement during a live address on state television Saturday afternoon, adding that Venezuela will never become a colony of any country.

Accompanied by the ministers of interior, foreign affairs and other officials, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded that the United States release Maduro and his wife. She also called on the Venezuelan people to remain calm, confront challenges together and defend national sovereignty.

Warning that a similar attack could occur in other countries in the region, Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela is prepared to protect its natural resources and will never become a colony or a slave of any empire.

The U.S. launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, seizing Maduro and his wife.

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed at a press conference Saturday morning that Rodríguez had been sworn in as president of Venezuela, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio "just had a conversation" with her.

"She's essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," Trump claimed while speaking to reporters.

The international community is deeply shocked by the U.S. raid on Maduro, strongly condemning the blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president.

The UN Security Council says it will hold an emergency meeting on Monday on the U.S. operation against Venezuela.

At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, have been killed in the U.S. attack on Venezuela, according to U.S. media reports. 

(With input from Xinhua)