I'm John Bachelors with Professor Avinellis of the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies

Institute.

We're reflecting on what we know about Venezuela. It's non-transparent because of the

Maduro regime. There's reason to believe that open communication with the

opposition puts the opposition at risk.

We go to what we do have, which is a Reuters report, of Maduro's allies.

Venezuela Defense Minister reaffirms military's loyalty to is reaffirmed the absolute loyalty to Nicholas Maduro.

Comments came after opposition candidate Gonzales,

urge members of the armed forces to stand at the side of the people.

I mentioned, Professor, that the military is not the only pointed stick at the population.

There have been reports for years

that Cuban security, Cuban intelligence

is involved in strengthening Maduro.

I remember those reports early on. in country took place. What do we know about his security services? He has the army

pledging to him. He has a state security, but he has the Cubans. What role do the

Cubans play? We've mentioned the Chinese.

I've also had anecdotes that the Wagner group, now called the Africa core in Africa, are present.

We know Hezbollah is not unwelcome in Venezuela. Who has

the guns in Caracas now?

Well, John, is a great point. It's a very complex tapestry of control and I'd first say that although by all indications, as in previous years for good reasons that we can,'ll talk about that the military has not

split the security forces have if not split and yet at the same time the statement

by Vladimir Perino Lopez you know of the military loyalty that was probably more a declaration of

...