Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela substitutes the sanctioned loyalist defense minister with the head of military intelligence

(SeaPRwire) –   Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday removed a longstanding loyalist from the military leadership, continuing her cabinet reshuffle during dealings with the Trump administration.

General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez, 65, will take over as defense minister from General Vladimir Padrino, who served in the role for over ten years, according to a Reuters report.

In a Telegram message, Rodriguez expressed gratitude for Padrino’s service and indicated he would be assigned new duties.

Lopez, one of multiple officials facing U.S. and European Union sanctions over accusations of human rights abuses and corruption, was named by Rodriguez in January to lead the presidential guard and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).

He had previously collaborated with Rodriguez as the head of strategic affairs at the state oil firm PDVSA, a company she once supervised in her capacity as energy minister.

Padrino was also sanctioned by the United States for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and his backing of former President Nicolas Maduro.

Last week, the United Nations stated that Venezuela’s repressive state mechanisms are still fully operational despite U.S. measures. Venezuelan authorities have consistently rejected claims of human rights and political suppression.

Diplomatic ties between the United States and the South American country were recently reestablished after a period of prolonged and elevated bilateral strain.