Delcy Rodríguez Restructures Venezuelan Military After Maduro's Departure

Since Nicolás Maduro's removal from power on January 3, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has initiated a sweeping restructuring of the military. The changes have impacted key territorial commands and academies within the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).

A report by journalist Sebastiana Barráez, specializing in military affairs and published by the Argentine outlet Infobae, reveals the extent of these changes. Of the 29 officers initially appointed to lead the Integral Defense Operational Zones (ZODI) before Maduro's exit, only one retains their previous position. The majority have been substituted, transferred, or removed from their command roles.

The restructuring was not a single event but occurred in stages. An initial major shift on January 21 saw 12 ZODI commanders replaced. Subsequently, several of these newly appointed officers were themselves moved or replaced, leading to a near-complete overhaul of territorial command.

The ZODIs are crucial components of the FANB's Territorial Defensive System, serving as hubs for planning, conducting, and executing local tactical operations. They also coordinate the military's actions with civilian security agencies and other public institutions. Barráez's reporting suggests these command changes significantly alter the chain of command responsible for regional defense and security.

While most commanders were replaced, a few were ratified in their positions during the latest reorganization. These include Vice Admirals Aldo Abigail Torres Falcón, Juan José Solórzano Araujo, and Uldren Alberto Gedde Díaz, overseeing the Atlantic, Eastern, and Western Maritime and Insular Zones, respectively. Torres Falcón is the sole commander who has held his post continuously since before January 3. Solórzano and Gedde were appointed in January. Additionally, Division Generals Lumar José Hernández Vargas (Trujillo), Carlos Augusto Bastidas Bastidas (Táchira), Miguel Andrés Chacín Socorro (Delta Amacuro), Gustavo Enrique Belizario Sánchez (Barinas), and Francisco Javier Sánchez Carballo (Aragua) were ratified, along with Vice Admiral Pedro Elías González Rubio in ZODI N° 71 Nueva Esparta. New appointments were made in the remaining zones, including Vice Admiral Virgilio José Hernández.