The acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, announced on Thursday that she has replaced all senior army commanders, implementing new reforms following the capture and overthrow of dictator Nicolas Maduro during a U.S. military operation, LETA reported, citing AFP.
Rodriguez announced these changes in a social media post the day after she dismissed a longtime defense minister close to Maduro and appointed a former head of intelligence in his place.
"I announce the appointment of an updated senior military command," Rodriguez said.
Under pressure from the United States and even under the threat of violence, Rodriguez is leading a country with the largest proven oil reserves in the world; however, its economy is devastated, and the population is experiencing shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials.
She has introduced a historic amnesty law to free political prisoners from the Maduro era and reformed regulations in the oil and mining sectors, fulfilling U.S. demands for access to the country's natural resources.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he effectively runs Venezuela and allows Rodriguez to remain in power as long as she meets U.S. requirements.
Rodriguez is trying to satisfy both Trump and those Venezuelans who are still loyal to Maduro.
The Venezuelan army, which has pledged allegiance to Rodriguez, is a powerful force in the country. It controls enterprises in the oil, mining, and food sectors, as well as customs operations and key ministries, despite allegations of abuse of power and corruption.
