Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López affirmed support for Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume all presidential powers per a January 3, 2026, TSJ decision and announced nationwide operational readiness to confront 'imperial aggression,' in statements shared on X between 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. UTC on January 4, 2026. Padrino López stated the FANB fully supports a state of external shock decree under states of exception and national security laws, assuring the government will guarantee governability while using all capabilities for military defense, internal order, and peace, according to X posts by @puzkas in the 29-minute reporting window. He described the FANB as 'the united liberating army of the 21st century' forming a 'single combat block' for national sovereignty. In Caracas, long lines formed at El Recreo Shopping Center's supermarket where access was controlled via registration, while other entrances including parking remained closed, per videos posted by @DarvinsonRojas and shared by @ReporteYa during this period. A pharmacy on Casanova Avenue reported shortages of coffee, bread, and toilet paper but stayed open without entry restrictions, according to the same sources. An X post by @RafaelCcs21 in the reporting window described an apparent anti-aircraft battery near a residential building in Fuerte Tiuna firing at U.S. helicopters before being destroyed by a small 30mm round. This follows the U.S. military capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier January 4, with Rodríguez assuming leadership as government forces retained control, per prior reports.
