- by foxnews
- 16 May 2026
Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez replaces sanctioned loyalist defense minister with military intel head
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez has appointed Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez to lead the defense ministry, a move to consolidate military control.
General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez, 65, will replace General Vladimir Padrino as defense minister, who held the position for more than a decade, Reuters reported.
In a Telegram post, Rodriguez thanked Padrino for his service and said he would be given new responsibilities.
He previously worked with Rodriguez as head of strategic affairs at PDVSA, the state-owned oil company, which she previously oversaw as energy minister.
Padrino had also been sanctioned by the U.S. over alleged drug trafficking and his support for ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
you may also like
travel
- by foxnews
- descember 09, 2016
Ancient artifacts found beneath Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as one mystery still stumps researchers
Florida students dig up ancient Native American meals at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, finding shark remains, pottery and conch shell hammers.
read more