Venezuela reshuffles military leadership in sweeping overhaul
Caracas — Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said on Thursday she had replaced the country’s senior military commanders, deepening a series of reforms since the United States ousted former leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Rodríguez announced the changes in a social media post, describing the appointments as a “renewed Military High Command,” a day after dismissing the long-serving defense minister and installing a former intelligence chief in his place.
The move marks one of the most significant restructurings of Venezuela’s armed forces since the leadership transition.The reshuffle follows the removal of the defense minister, a close ally of Maduro who had remained a key figure within the military establishment.
His replacement, a former intelligence official, is part of Rodríguez’s broader effort to consolidate control over the security apparatus.
Analysts say the changes reflect an attempt to rebuild authority within the armed forces after criticism of the previous command structure, particularly following the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s capture in January.
Financial TimesThe military, which has pledged loyalty to Rodríguez, remains a central pillar of governance in Venezuela, overseeing sectors including oil, mining, food distribution and key administrative functions.
Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro, is navigating competing pressures from Washington and domestic political factions. The United States has exerted influence over policy direction, including economic reforms and access to Venezuela’s natural resources.
She has introduced an amnesty law to release political prisoners and moved to reform oil and mining regulations in line with U.S. expectations, while also managing a fragile domestic environment marked by economic hardship and shortages of basic goods.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington is closely involved in Venezuela’s transition, while allowing Rodríguez to remain in power conditional on cooperation with U.S. objectives.
Rodríguez faces the challenge of maintaining support among Venezuelans loyal to Maduro while advancing reforms under international scrutiny. Maduro, detained following the U.S. operation, has been taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
The military’s expanded role in economic and administrative sectors has drawn criticism over alleged corruption and abuses, complicating efforts to stabilize the country as it navigates a period of political transition.
The latest restructuring underscores the importance of military alignment in Venezuela’s evolving power dynamics, as Rodríguez seeks to secure her position amid ongoing geopolitical pressure and internal uncertainty.
