Venezuelan president announces changes in military high command and confirms defense minister

President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela made important announcements regarding the country’s military leadership during a military ceremony on Friday evening.

He confirmed the continuation of General in Chief Vladimir Padrino López as Minister of Defense, highlighting his honesty, morality, professionalism, and military leadership qualities.

General Padrino López has held this position since October 2014 and is presently the most senior minister in President Maduro’s cabinet. In addition to this reappointment, several substitutions were announced within the high military command of Venezuela.

Major General Murga Baptista was named as the new commander of the Bolivarian Army, having previously served as the commander of the Central Integral Defense Region (REDI).

Admiral Villamizar Sánchez was appointed to the General Command of the Bolivarian National Navy, recognized for his recent achievements as commander of the strategic maritime insular region.

Major General Santiago Infante, the incumbent, was reaffirmed as the general commander of the Bolivarian Military Aviation.

Major General Elio Estrada, who also leads the Bolivarian National Police (PNB), assumed command of the Bolivarian National Guard.

Major General Marcano Tábata was assigned the command of the Bolivarian National Militia, a branch of the Bolivarian National Armed Force with an active reserve of over 4 million individuals.

Following these appointments, President Maduro commended the Venezuelan military for their moral, patriotic, and diligent leadership.

He acknowledged their understanding of sacrifice, effort, loyalty, and courage.

These changes in the military high command and the reaffirmation of the Minister of Defense reflect President Maduro’s commitment to maintaining stability and efficiency within the Venezuelan armed forces.