AFP, Caracas

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.

As Rodriguez tries to shore up support for her leadership, the 56-year-old is walking a tight wire, seeking to please both Maduro loyalists and US President Donald Trump.

“We swear absolute loyalty and subordination,” said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who presented Rodriguez with the ceremonial baton and sword of independence hero Simon Bolivar.

Venezuela’s powerful interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, pledged loyalty on behalf of police forces. The pledge came as more than 3,000 troops and police in uniform filed past Venezuela’s first female leader and commander in chief.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s main opposition leader on Wednesday cast doubt on the trustworthiness of Rodriguez, whom Washington is working with following a military intervention.