Maduro sends message to son: 'We are well, I am a fighter'

CARACAS -- Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra said on Saturday 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.

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 Jan 3, an operation that resulted in their capture. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.

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.