'We are well, I am a fighter': Venezuelan President Maduro's message to son from US jail

CARACAS — Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra has said that his father, President Nicolas Maduro, sent a message through his lawyers saying he is in good condition and remains resolute while being held in the United States.

"The lawyers told us they are strong and that we should not be sad," Guerra said while addressing leaders of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela on Saturday (local time).

He quoted his father as saying: "We are well. I am a fighter."

President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently held in the United States after US forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on January 3, an operation that resulted in their capture. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern, reports Xinhua news agency.

Maduro Guerra said his father remains unbroken, adding that the government and its supporters "are united and standing firm."

"The strength of Chavismo lies in unity. Whatever happens, we must remain united," he said.

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Saturday pledged to secure the return of Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela's leadership or governing program.

"There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro," she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country's future.

Rodriguez vowed not to rest "for a single minute" until Maduro and Flores return to Venezuela.

She noted that a year ago, she was sworn in alongside Maduro at the start of his third term, adding that "today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom."

Rodriguez said national unity would be decisive in what she described as the effort to "rescue" Maduro, reaffirming that her government continues to implement the seven lines of action set by Maduro.