Ask Onix
Venezuela replaces senior military leaders following US-backed transition
Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, announced a sweeping overhaul of the country's top military brass on Thursday, one day after naming a new defense minister. The move follows the January capture of President Nicolás Maduro in a US operation and Caracas' recent diplomatic rapprochement with Washington.
New appointments aim to secure sovereignty, Rodríguez says
Rodríguez framed the reshuffle as a step to safeguard Venezuela's "sovereignty, peace, stability, and territorial integrity." The changes include:
- Dilio Alejandro Agüero Montes as navy commander,
- Royman Antonio Hernández Briceño as air force commander, and
- Rubén Darío Belzares Escobar as army commander.
The appointments follow Wednesday's dismissal of longtime defense minister Vladimir Padrino López, a close Maduro ally. Rodríguez replaced him with Gustavo González López, a former intelligence chief, in a Telegram announcement. She thanked Padrino for his "loyalty to the country" while signaling a break from the previous administration.
Controversial pick for defense minister draws criticism
González López's appointment has sparked backlash from human rights groups. The new defense minister previously led Venezuela's intelligence service (Sebin) twice under Maduro, from 2014-2018 and 2019-2024. In 2015, the Obama administration sanctioned him for alleged involvement in "significant acts of violence" and "serious human rights violations," including torture and arbitrary detentions during anti-government protests.
"This means keeping the repressive structure intact and rewarding someone who should be investigated for very serious human rights violations,"
Juanita Goebertus, Human Rights Watch Americas Director, in an interview with BBC Mundo
Human rights watchdog Provea labeled the appointment a "recycling of impunity." Rodríguez, however, expressed full confidence in González López's leadership, praising his ability to strengthen the armed forces.
Outgoing minister reflects on 12-year tenure
Padrino, who served as defense minister for 12 years, called his removal "the highest honor of my life" in a statement. He congratulated González López, noting their long-standing professional relationship, and voiced optimism about the military's future under his successor.
Context: US role and diplomatic shift
The military overhaul comes weeks after Venezuela and the US restored diplomatic relations in early March. Rodríguez has distanced herself from Maduro's policies since his January capture in a US raid, positioning her interim government as a partner to Washington. Analysts suggest the appointments may reflect efforts to consolidate control amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
