This handout picture released by the Venezuelan government shows Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez pledging loyalty to interim president Delcy Rodriguez

This handout picture released by the Venezuelan government shows Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez pledging loyalty to interim president Delcy Rodriguez

Venezuela's military and police pledged loyalty Wednesday to interim president Delcy Rodriguez, whom the United States kept in power after ousting Nicolas Maduro. 

The pledge signifies the support of a key bastion behind Maduro -- the military -- as he braved US pressure and sanctions against his leftwing regime since succeeding Hugo Chavez in 2013. 

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.