Overview
- Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a new top command of the armed forces on Thursday, reshuffling senior commanders.
- The move came a day after she dismissed Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, a longtime Maduro confidant in the post since 2014.
- Gustavo González López was appointed to succeed Padrino López as defense minister.
- Rodríguez also replaced the housing and energy ministers and did not provide reasons for the changes.
- AFP reports the military has pledged loyalty to Rodríguez, while the shake-up unfolds after the United States captured Nicolás Maduro earlier this year and Washington has begun easing some sanctions.