The general in command of Venezuela's presidential honour guard, Javier Marcano Tábata, has been sacked just days after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was taken by US forces during a raid in Caracas, ostensibly to face trial for narco-terrorism charges.
The presidential honour guard is tasked with protecting the head of state. Reports suggest that members of the guard were among the casualties in the intense US operation.
Delcy Rodríguez, who recently assumed the interim presidency with support from the National Assembly, issued the order to replace Gen Marcano Tábata following his failure to secure Maduro during the raid. Rodríguez, a key ally of Maduro, expressed that her government aims for cooperation with the US while simultaneously condemning the capture as an illegal kidnapping.
US President Donald Trump stated in a recent press briefing that discussions are ongoing with Rodríguez, emphasizing the expectation for Venezuela to provide oil to the US—a demand rooted in the nation's significant oil reserves.
This pivotal change in leadership reflects both domestic political maneuvering and external geopolitical pressures, as analysts view it as an attempt by Rodríguez to consolidate her power and re-evaluate security strategies in light of recent events.
The fate of Rodríguez and her administration remains uncertain as the threat of further US actions looms.
