Delcy Rodriguez replaces Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino

"We thank Vladimir Padrino Lopez for his loyalty to the homeland and for having been, for all of these years, the first soldier in the defence of our country. She added that Padrino would be given unspecified new responsibilities. No explanation was given for the change."

"Padrino's departure is the latest cabinet-level shake-up in the Venezuelan government since January 3, when the United States launched a military operation to abduct Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. February, for instance, saw the departure of government ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz, followed by the resignation of Tarek William Saab as attorney general."

"All three officials were closely associated with Maduro and have been accused by human rights groups of contributing to government repression in Venezuela. The 62-year-old Padrino has led the country's military since 2014. Under his leadership, the military has faced accusations of corruption and abuses, including carrying out violent crackdowns on protesters."

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced the replacement of General Vladimir Padrino, who served as defence minister for 11 years under former President Nicolas Maduro. Padrino was reassigned to unspecified new responsibilities, with Rodriguez publicly thanking him for his loyalty and service. This departure represents the latest cabinet-level change following the January 3 military operation targeting Maduro. Other recent departures include government ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz and attorney general Tarek William Saab. All three officials were closely associated with Maduro and have faced accusations from human rights groups regarding government repression. Under Padrino's military leadership since 2014, the armed forces faced accusations of corruption, abuse, violent crackdowns on protesters, and extensive economic influence in mining, oil, and food distribution sectors.

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