Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez replaces sanctioned loyalist defense minister with military intel head

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez connected Wednesday replaced a longtime loyalist subject official, arsenic she continues to marque changes to her furniture amid relations with the Trump administration. 

General Gustavo Gonzalez ‌Lopez, 65, volition regenerate General Vladimir Padrino arsenic defence minister, who held the presumption for much than a decade, Reuters reported. 

In a Telegram post, Rodriguez thanked Padrino for ​his work and said helium would beryllium fixed caller responsibilities.

MADURO'S SON GIVES 'UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT' TO NEWLY SWORN IN INTERIM VENEZUELA PRESIDENT

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez waves aft bidding farewell to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright pursuing their gathering astatine Miraflores Palace successful Caracas, Venezuela, connected Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

Lopez was appointed by Rodriguez successful January arsenic the caput of the statesmanlike defender and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).

Lopez, who is among respective officials sanctioned by the United States and European Union for quality rights violations and corruption, was appointed successful January the caller caput of the ⁠presidential defender and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence.

TRUMP ISSUES DIRECT WARNING TO VENEZUELA'S NEW LEADER DELCY RODRÍGUEZ FOLLOWING MADURO CAPTURE

U.S. State Department "wanted" posters amusement Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López accused by U.S. authorities of corruption and links to cause trafficking networks. (State Department)

He antecedently worked with Rodriguez arsenic caput of strategical affairs astatine PDVSA, the state-owned lipid company, which ​she antecedently oversaw arsenic vigor minister.

Padrino had besides been sanctioned by the U.S. ​over alleged cause trafficking and his enactment for ousted President Nicolas Maduro.

Despite the U.S. intervention, Venezuela's repressive apparatus remains intact, the United Nations said past week. The authorities has repeatedly denied allegations of quality rights and governmental oppression. 

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, left, smiles astatine Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, arsenic they instrumentality the way that the assemblage of precocious President Hugo Chavez followed to his last resting place, during the activities marking the 10th day of Chavez's death, successful Caracas, Venezuela, March 15, 2023.  (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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The United States precocious restored diplomatic relations with the South American federation pursuing years of heightened tensions betwixt the 2 states.