Caracas, February 14 (RHC)-- Venezuela’s armed forces Friday pledged loyalty to the country’s constitution and the democratically-elected government of Nicolas Maduro.

Speaking at a press conference Friday afternoon, Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned the U.S.-backed coup attempt against President Maduro. He said: “The Armed Forces reiterate their support and loyalty to President Nicolas Maduro Moros and reaffirm their commitment to defending the constitution and respecting the will of the Venezuelan people.”

The defense minister added: “In light of the current situation, the Armed Forces remain united around the Bolivarian Revolution and reject all acts of barbarism … no society can be built on violence.”

Minister Padrino Lopez stressed that the violent plots – backed by Washington and carried out by the Venezuelan right-wing opposition – were thwarted thanks to the loyalty and the integrity of the country's armed forces. He added that the small group of military officials involved in the coup attempt does not represent the country’s Armed Forces.