Delcy Rodríguez renews Venezuela’s military high command following Padrino’s ouster
The reshuffle comes weeks after the surprise visit to Caracas by the head of the US Southern Command, General Francis Donovan
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, executed a sweeping restructuring of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) leadership. The changes, announced less than 24 hours after the appointment of Gustavo González López as the new Defense Minister replacing the veteran Vladímir Padrino, mark a significant shift in Caracas’ power structure following months of institutional attrition.
New strategic leadership
The most significant overhaul takes place at the Strategic Operational Command (CEOFANB), the military’s main operational body. Rafael Prieto Martínez assumes leadership, replacing Domingo Hernández Lárez, who had held the position since 2021. Prieto, who previously commanded the military structure of the Guayana mining and border region, will be accompanied by Jesús Villamizar as second-in-command.
Additionally, the commands of the various armed branches were renewed. Ruben Darío Belzares was appointed commander of the Army; Royman Hernández Briceño, of the Aviation; Jorge Agüero, of the Navy; Juan Sulbarán, of the Bolivarian National Guard, and Nayade Lockiby Belmonte will lead the Militia.
Internal pressure and geopolitical context
The outgoing leadership faced severe internal criticism following the unprecedented United States military intervention earlier this year, which culminated in the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro. According to international analysts, the top brass’s inability to repel the incursion, coupled with Padrino’s nearly 12-year tenure at the ministry, had generated widespread unrest among the ranks.
The reshuffle comes weeks after the surprise visit to Caracas by the head of the US Southern Command, General Francis Donovan. Amid a transitional landscape, the restructuring driven by Rodríguez and González López seeks to reconfigure operational control over an Armed Forces compelled to adapt to the country’s new political realities.
