Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, initiated a significant overhaul of the Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FANB) this Tuesday, introducing 28 changes that impacted the Expanded Military High Command.
This strategic move involved alterations in two Strategic Defense Regions (REDI), the nation's two most prominent air bases, 12 Operational Defense Zones (ZODI), six positions within the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), three brigades, and three military academies.
According to a report by Infobae, all resolutions were endorsed by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. He noted that these adjustments were made under the directive of Rodríguez, acting as Interim President, following a decision by the Constitutional Chamber of the TSJ on January 3, 2026, citing the Constitutional Law of the FANB.
The report also highlighted the removal of M/G Juan Ernesto Sulbarán Quintero from the REDI Oriental and a change in military leadership in Táchira, following the "Operation Absolute Resolution," which resulted in the extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela.
Key Military Reassignments
The 28 adjustments included key changes within the REDI. In REDI Los Andes, M/G Pablo Ernesto Lizano Colmenter took over from M/G José Gregorio Martínez Campos, while in REDI Oriental, M/G Erasmo Eduardo Ramos Iriza replaced M/G Juan Ernesto Sulbarán Quintero.
Within the aviation sector, leadership was changed at the country's two main air bases. At La Carlota Air Base ("Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda"), G/B Fidel Humberto Olivo Pacheco Ramírez succeeded G/D José Freitas Gómez. At "El Libertador" Air Base (BAEL), G/D Marco Antonio Vásquez Pérez replaced G/D Jesús Alberto Fernández Peñaloza.
The text described these changes as "significant," indicating that despite official narratives regarding the events of January 3, there might have been some level of accountability—by action or inaction—among high-ranking Aviation officials.
Moreover, 12 changes were implemented across various ZODI regions.
Changes in the Bolivarian National Guard
In the Bolivarian National Guard, six significant adjustments were made. At the National Guard of the People Command, G/D Carlos Eduardo Aigster Villamizar replaced M/G Erasmo Eduardo Ramos Iriza, who transitioned to REDI. At the National Anti-Drug Command, G/D Rafael José Hernández Aguirre succeeded M/G Félix Manuel Arnos Rodríguez.
Three alterations occurred within the brigades. In the 31st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, G/B Carlos Esteban Castillo León replaced G/B Jhoan Antonio Márquez Flores. G/B Pawer Avelino González García took command of the 33rd Caribbean Brigade from G/D José Gregorio Caldera Vivas. Additionally, in the 94th Special Brigade "Negro Primero," G/B José Luis Terán Albarrán succeeded G/D Lumar José Hernández Vargas.
In the Naval Military Academy, C/A Ronald José Briceño Huerta was appointed, replacing V/A Pedro Elías González Rubio. At the Army Military Academy, G/B Lansford José Castillo López took over from G/B Crismarth Darío Mavo Sánchez, while at the GNB Military Academy, G/B Franklin Martín Meléndez Rivas replaced G/B Darwin Andrés Crespo Rojas.
Infobae suggested that some appointments might be seen as "compensation," citing the case of Franklin Martín Meléndez Rivas and his familial connection to Carmen Teresa Meléndez, a political and military figure holding the rank of admiral and serving as the mayor of Caracas.
Government Ministry Merger
Delcy Rodríguez also recently announced the merger of the Ministry of Industries and National Production with the Ministry of National Commerce into a "new entity" to be led by Luis Antonio Villegas. This change removes Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close associate of former President Nicolás Maduro, from the cabinet.
Villegas had been serving as the Minister of National Commerce since his appointment by Maduro in February 2024. Saab, appointed by Maduro in October 2024, had previously led the Ministry of Industries and National Production and had presided over the International Center for Productive Investment of Venezuela.
Insights into Military Restructuring in Venezuela
Why did Delcy Rodríguez implement changes in the Venezuelan Armed Forces?
Delcy Rodríguez initiated changes in the Venezuelan Armed Forces as part of a strategic reorganization, affecting the Expanded Military High Command and various key positions within the military structure.
What are the implications of the changes in the Bolivarian National Guard?
The changes in the Bolivarian National Guard involve significant leadership shifts, which could impact operational strategies and the overall effectiveness of the Guard in maintaining national security.