Venezuela's defense minister: Sovereignty is non-negotiable

Venezuela's Defense Minister Gustavo González López declared the nation's sovereignty "non-negotiable" during a ceremony decorating over 240 officers for 30 years of service. He emphasized the inflexibility of Venezuela's independence, its "Bolivarian military thought," and its commitment to sovereignty and protecting the homeland and its people.

The minister's remarks were broadcast on state television, Venezolana de Televisión (VTV). González López was appointed to his post in March by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, replacing Vladimir Padrino López. Padrino López had held the position since October 2014, appointed by Nicolás Maduro amid widespread anti-government protests.

Rodríguez also revamped the military command in March, appointing a new high command to work with González López to ensure Venezuela's "sovereignty, peace, stability, and territorial integrity." This occurs in the wake of a January 3 U.S. military attack that led to Maduro's capture. Following this, Rodríguez assumed the presidency and initiated a rapprochement with Washington, under warnings from then-President Donald Trump regarding potential consequences if she did not act "correctly."

The government's alliance with the Trump administration has involved joint operations against criminal organizations, such as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Its leader, Héctor Guerrero, known as 'El Niño Guerrero,' recently died during a joint operation in a southeastern mining region. The two countries have also established agreements concerning hydrocarbons.