Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Wednesday that General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will take over as defense minister from General Vladimir Padrino, a long-time powerbroker ​close to ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
The change is the most important yet in Rodriguez's cabinet and marks the demotion of a general who controlled ‌Venezuela's sprawling military for 11 years under Maduro.

Venezuela Overhauls Military Leadership, Intelligence Chief Named Defence Minister 

Venezuelan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-seeks-to-display-military-loyalty-in-political-crisis-215491">Nicolas Maduro</a> on Thursday called on the armed forces to oppose "any coup plotter" after a military uprising in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido fizzled out, and subsequent street clashes left four protesters dead.

On Tuesday, Guaido -- who has been recognised by more than 50 countries as the crisis-wracked country's interim president -- urged the armed forces to rise up against the embattled leader.

A small group heeded the call, but the movement failed to ignite -- the military leadership ratified their support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground despite international pressure.

"Yes, we are in combat -- keep morale high in this fight to disarm any traitor, any coup plotter," Maduro said Thursday at a televised event with the military high command, at which he was surrounded by soldiers.

"No one can be afraid -- it is the hour to defend our right to peace," he said at a ceremony attended by 4,500 military personnel, according to the government.

Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said,&nbsp;"We've come to ratify our loyalty ... to the supreme commander of the armed forces, who is our only president, President Nicolas Maduro."

The failed uprising sparked two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed, including two teenagers who died of their injuries on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's supreme court ordered the re-arrest of influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez -- who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido on Tuesday after he was freed from house arrest. Lopez has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy.

The 48-year-old Lopez was a prominent opposition leader in 2014 when he was imprisoned after calling for protests against Maduro. He was transferred to house arrest in 2017.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump offered prayers at a White House service for "the people of Venezuela in their righteous struggle for freedom."

"The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," he warned.

Four dead

Opposition lawmakers and family members announced Thursday that two teenage protesters had succumbed to injuries sustained in the anti-government protests.

Yoifre Hernandez, 14, was hit by gunfire during Wednesday's clashes in Caracas, while 16-year-old Yosner Graterol suffered a gunshot wound during unrest in the northern town of La Victoria on Tuesday, lawmakers and relatives said.

Jurubith Rausseo, 27, died Wednesday after being shot in the head, the non-governmental Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict said on Twitter. Another person was killed in the northern state of Aragua on Tuesday.

Human rights organizations and health services reported that dozens of people were hurt on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

The government said more than 150 people were arrested on Tuesday.

So far, 25 rebel soldiers have sought asylum at the Brazilian embassy.

Speaking from the Spanish ambassador's residence, Lopez said the small rebellion on Tuesday would eventually lead to the end of Maduro's "dictatorship."

"It's a crack that will become a bigger crack ... that will end up breaking the dam," said Lopez.

Madrid said it would not hand over Lopez to Venezuelan authorities, nor would it ask him to leave.

US-Russia meeting

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the national legislature, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

The country has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport.

On both Tuesday and Wednesday, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing protesters.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators, while the US and Russia accused each other of making the crisis worse, evoking their Cold War-era confrontations.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are to discuss Venezuela when they meet in Finland next week, a US official said.

"We're going to remain in the streets until we achieve freedom for the Venezuelan people," Guaido told his supporters in Caracas on Wednesday. Pro-Maduro groups also marched through the capital on May Day.

Padrino has described Guaido's moves as "child's play."

The International Contact Group of 13 countries -- including Britain, France, Germany and Maduro's ally Bolivia -- announced a meeting in Costa Rica on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the latest flare-up in Venezuela's simmering crisis.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday called on the armed forces to oppose "any coup plotter" after a military uprising in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido fizzled out, and subsequent street clashes left four protesters dead.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday called on the armed forces to oppose "any coup plotter" after a military uprising in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido fizzled out, and subsequent street clashes left four protesters dead. On Tuesday, Guaido -- who has been recognised by more than 50 countries as the crisis-wracked country's interim president -- urged the armed forces to rise up against the embattled leader. A small group heeded the call, but the movement failed to ignite -- the military leadership ratified their support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground despite international pressure. "Yes, we are in combat -- keep morale high in this fight to disarm any traitor, any coup plotter," Maduro said Thursday at a televised event with the military high command, at which he was surrounded by soldiers. "No one can be afraid -- it is the hour to defend our right to peace," he said at a ceremony attended by 4,500 military personnel, according to the government. Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said, "We've come to ratify our loyalty ... to the supreme commander of the armed forces, who is our only president, President Nicolas Maduro." The failed uprising sparked two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed, including two teenagers who died of their injuries on Thursday. Meanwhile, Venezuela's supreme court ordered the re-arrest of influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez -- who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido on Tuesday after he was freed from house arrest. Lopez has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy. The 48-year-old Lopez was a prominent opposition leader in 2014 when he was imprisoned after calling for protests against Maduro. He was transferred to house arrest in 2017. In Washington, US President Donald Trump offered prayers at a White House service for "the people of Venezuela in their righteous struggle for freedom." "The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," he warned. Four dead Opposition lawmakers and family members announced Thursday that two teenage protesters had succumbed to injuries sustained in the anti-government protests. Yoifre Hernandez, 14, was hit by gunfire during Wednesday's clashes in Caracas, while 16-year-old Yosner Graterol suffered a gunshot wound during unrest in the northern town of La Victoria on Tuesday, lawmakers and relatives said. Jurubith Rausseo, 27, died Wednesday after being shot in the head, the non-governmental Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict said on Twitter. Another person was killed in the northern state of Aragua on Tuesday. Human rights organizations and health services reported that dozens of people were hurt on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The government said more than 150 people were arrested on Tuesday. So far, 25 rebel soldiers have sought asylum at the Brazilian embassy. Speaking from the Spanish ambassador's residence, Lopez said the small rebellion on Tuesday would eventually lead to the end of Maduro's "dictatorship." "It's a crack that will become a bigger crack ... that will end up breaking the dam," said Lopez. Madrid said it would not hand over Lopez to Venezuelan authorities, nor would it ask him to leave. US-Russia meeting Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the national legislature, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. The country has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport. On both Tuesday and Wednesday, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing protesters. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators, while the US and Russia accused each other of making the crisis worse, evoking their Cold War-era confrontations. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are to discuss Venezuela when they meet in Finland next week, a US official said. "We're going to remain in the streets until we achieve freedom for the Venezuelan people," Guaido told his supporters in Caracas on Wednesday. Pro-Maduro groups also marched through the capital on May Day. Padrino has described Guaido's moves as "child's play." The International Contact Group of 13 countries -- including Britain, France, Germany and Maduro's ally Bolivia -- announced a meeting in Costa Rica on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the latest flare-up in Venezuela's simmering crisis.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro calls on military to fight 'any coup plotter'

A group of 27 soldiers rose up against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-to-pressure-venezuelas-illegitimate-president-maduro-189470">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> at a command post in Caracas on Monday, but they were quickly arrested after posting an appeal for public support in a video.

"We are the professional troop of the National Guard against the regime, which we completely repudiate. I need your help, take to the streets," a man who identified himself as the group's leader said in a video circulated on social media.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a statement saying the soldiers had been arrested.

Before the attack on a National Guard command centre in northern Caracas where they were captured, the men had assaulted another security post, taking four prisoners and making off with "weapons of war," the statement said.&nbsp;

"During the arrest, stolen weapons were recovered and (the mutineers) are providing useful information to intelligence services and the military justice system," added Padrino, who said the rebels would "face the full force of the law."

The small, short-lived rebellion triggered outbreaks of protest in support of it.

In the districts of Cotiza, Los Mecedores and elsewhere in northern Caracas, people threw rocks and bottles at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several demonstrators were reported injured.

As night fell, in several areas of Caracas people banged pots and pans -- a traditional method of grassroots protest in Latin America. A major avenue in downtown Caracas was blocked and protesters shouted: "this government is going to fall." Riot police dispersed the crowds with tear gas.

Maduro's right-hand man and head of the Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, said 25 soldiers were arrested at the site, and two more were detained elsewhere.

Cabello identified the rebel leader as Sergeant Major Luis Bandres Figueroa.

The Supreme Court, which is dominated by regime loyalists, later took aim at the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declaring its leadership illegitimate and its decisions invalid.

Last week, the assembly had declared Maduro a "usurper," and offered members of the military and the government amnesty if they broke with Maduro.

It also called for a day of protests against the president on Wednesday.

'Neutralized, surrendered, captured'&nbsp;

The mutiny unfolded in the early hours of the day and culminated at the National Guard's Cotiza command, which was later surrounded by police and troops.

"They were neutralized, surrendered and captured in record time," Cabello tweeted.

"They are already confessing details and the first thing they said is that they were offered villas and castles but were left alone, they were tricked. We will win," he added, without specifying who allegedly made the offer.

The armed forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered outside the command post, banging pots and blocking roads with burning garbage in support of the uprising.

"If they unite with our country, we're with them, we're going to stay in the streets. Freedom!" shouted one woman, who declined to be identified.

"We want Maduro to go, we're fed up," added a man.

National Assembly president Juan Guaido, who has engaged Maduro in a power struggle since being elected to lead the legislature earlier this month, spoke out in support of the mutinous soldiers.

"What is happening in the National Guard in Cotiza is a demonstration of the general feeling that reigns within" the armed forces, Guaido said on Twitter.

"Our military knows that the chain of command has been broken by the usurpation of the presidential office.

"The National Assembly is committed to offering all the necessary guarantees to members of the armed forces that actively contribute to the restoration of the constitution."

But the Supreme Court responded by declaring Guaido, who has quickly become the central figure in the Maduro opposition, a usurper himself.

Parliament "does not have a legitimate board of directors," the court's president Juan Jose Mendoza said in a statement he read to the press, adding that the National Assembly was "usurping its authority, and therefore all its decisions are void."

The top court also said it was annulling the legislature's decision to officially declare Maduro a usurper and promising an amnesty law to protect military personnel that turn against the president.

Maduro retains military backing&nbsp;

Maduro, who has presided over the virtual collapse of the economy and a mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing unemployment and shortages of food and medicine, has so far retained the support of the military high command despite growing domestic discontent.

He won controversial snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and branded fraudulent by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American countries.

The National Assembly has long been held in check by the Supreme Court, which stripped it of its powers after the opposition gained control of the legislature in 2016 elections.

Guaido, though, has shown a determination to challenge Maduro's authority.

He previously urged the general population and armed forces to support a transitional government that would oust Maduro and organize elections.

He has also called for a mass protest on Wednesday to support his demands, while the regime has announced its own counter-demonstration in support of Maduro.

It will be the first such mass street action since 2017 when more than four months of street protests claimed the lives of 125 people.

A group of 27 soldiers rose up against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at a command post in Caracas on Monday, but they were quickly arrested after posting an appeal for public support in a video.

A group of 27 soldiers rose up against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at a command post in Caracas on Monday, but they were quickly arrested after posting an appeal for public support in a video. "We are the professional troop of the National Guard against the regime, which we completely repudiate. I need your help, take to the streets," a man who identified himself as the group's leader said in a video circulated on social media. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a statement saying the soldiers had been arrested. Before the attack on a National Guard command centre in northern Caracas where they were captured, the men had assaulted another security post, taking four prisoners and making off with "weapons of war," the statement said. "During the arrest, stolen weapons were recovered and (the mutineers) are providing useful information to intelligence services and the military justice system," added Padrino, who said the rebels would "face the full force of the law." The small, short-lived rebellion triggered outbreaks of protest in support of it. In the districts of Cotiza, Los Mecedores and elsewhere in northern Caracas, people threw rocks and bottles at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several demonstrators were reported injured. As night fell, in several areas of Caracas people banged pots and pans -- a traditional method of grassroots protest in Latin America. A major avenue in downtown Caracas was blocked and protesters shouted: "this government is going to fall." Riot police dispersed the crowds with tear gas. Maduro's right-hand man and head of the Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, said 25 soldiers were arrested at the site, and two more were detained elsewhere. Cabello identified the rebel leader as Sergeant Major Luis Bandres Figueroa. The Supreme Court, which is dominated by regime loyalists, later took aim at the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declaring its leadership illegitimate and its decisions invalid. Last week, the assembly had declared Maduro a "usurper," and offered members of the military and the government amnesty if they broke with Maduro. It also called for a day of protests against the president on Wednesday. 'Neutralized, surrendered, captured' The mutiny unfolded in the early hours of the day and culminated at the National Guard's Cotiza command, which was later surrounded by police and troops. "They were neutralized, surrendered and captured in record time," Cabello tweeted. "They are already confessing details and the first thing they said is that they were offered villas and castles but were left alone, they were tricked. We will win," he added, without specifying who allegedly made the offer. The armed forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered outside the command post, banging pots and blocking roads with burning garbage in support of the uprising. "If they unite with our country, we're with them, we're going to stay in the streets. Freedom!" shouted one woman, who declined to be identified. "We want Maduro to go, we're fed up," added a man. National Assembly president Juan Guaido, who has engaged Maduro in a power struggle since being elected to lead the legislature earlier this month, spoke out in support of the mutinous soldiers. "What is happening in the National Guard in Cotiza is a demonstration of the general feeling that reigns within" the armed forces, Guaido said on Twitter. "Our military knows that the chain of command has been broken by the usurpation of the presidential office. "The National Assembly is committed to offering all the necessary guarantees to members of the armed forces that actively contribute to the restoration of the constitution." But the Supreme Court responded by declaring Guaido, who has quickly become the central figure in the Maduro opposition, a usurper himself. Parliament "does not have a legitimate board of directors," the court's president Juan Jose Mendoza said in a statement he read to the press, adding that the National Assembly was "usurping its authority, and therefore all its decisions are void." The top court also said it was annulling the legislature's decision to officially declare Maduro a usurper and promising an amnesty law to protect military personnel that turn against the president. Maduro retains military backing Maduro, who has presided over the virtual collapse of the economy and a mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing unemployment and shortages of food and medicine, has so far retained the support of the military high command despite growing domestic discontent. He won controversial snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and branded fraudulent by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American countries. The National Assembly has long been held in check by the Supreme Court, which stripped it of its powers after the opposition gained control of the legislature in 2016 elections. Guaido, though, has shown a determination to challenge Maduro's authority. He previously urged the general population and armed forces to support a transitional government that would oust Maduro and organize elections. He has also called for a mass protest on Wednesday to support his demands, while the regime has announced its own counter-demonstration in support of Maduro. It will be the first such mass street action since 2017 when more than four months of street protests claimed the lives of 125 people.

Venezuela military group rises against Maduro, arrested

Two Russian long-range strategic bombers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weary-venezuelans-in-low-turnout-win-for-ruling-party-182811">landed in Venezuela</a> Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defence of the leftist-ruled South American country.

General Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuelan defence minister, welcomed about 100 Russian pilots and other personnel after the two TU-160s and two other aircraft landed at the international airport that serves Caracas.

Padrino said the deployment showed "we also are preparing to defend Venezuela to the last inch when necessary."

"This we are going to do with our friends because we have friends in the world who defend respectful balanced, relations," he said.

The commander of the Russian Airforce's long-range aircraft, General Sergei Ivanovich Kobulash, said the exercises would provide "a profound exchange of experience between pilots and technical staff" from both countries.

Kremlin visit&nbsp;

The development follows hot on the heels of a visit to Moscow last week by President Nicolas Maduro during which he had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for his beleaguered socialist government.

Maduro often accuses the United States of plotting against his government, which has overseen the plunge of a once-rich petrol state into a severe economic crisis.&nbsp;

Besides the two bombers, the deployment included an An-124 transport plane and an Il-62 passenger plane, according to a Russian military announcement in Moscow.

Padrino noted that Russian aircraft had visited before in 2013, but said their current deployment was part of a "new experience."

He said exercises would be held to "raise the level of interoperability of the aerospace defence systems" of both countries.

It was unclear how long the Russian deployment would last, and Padrino did not provide details about the exercises planned.

In recent years, Venezuela has purchased millions of dollars in military equipment from Russia, he said.&nbsp;

Venezuela acquired 24 Sukhoi-30 Russian fighters and signed a deal to purchase 53 MI-24 helicopter gunships and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles in 2016.&nbsp;

'Psychological warfare'&nbsp;

Former defence minister Raul Salazar said the exercises with Russia "are part of what is called psychological warfare."

"The purpose is to increase the perception that Venezuela is supported by Russia, China and Belarus, that it has the support of a power, in case another power tries to invade," Salazar told AFP.

Maduro on Sunday said Washington had set in motion a plan to overthrow him, with the support of neighbouring Colombia.

"Underway today is an attempt to disrupt the democratic life of Venezuela, coordinated directly from the White House," said Maduro, who claims he was the target of an August 4 drone attack hatched by Venezuela's opposition with the support of the US and Colombian governments.

Caracas' defence minister said "nobody in the world should fear the presence of these strategic fighter-bombers. We are builders of peace and not of war."&nbsp;

Padrino added however that other countries in the region had created "political and military imbalances" against which the Venezuelan government could not stand idly by -- an apparent reference to Bogota, which Caracas has accused of harbouring US military bases.

Two Russian long-range strategic bombers landed in Venezuela Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defence of the leftist-ruled South American country.

Two Russian long-range strategic bombers landed in Venezuela Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defence of the leftist-ruled South American country. General Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuelan defence minister, welcomed about 100 Russian pilots and other personnel after the two TU-160s and two other aircraft landed at the international airport that serves Caracas. Padrino said the deployment showed "we also are preparing to defend Venezuela to the last inch when necessary." "This we are going to do with our friends because we have friends in the world who defend respectful balanced, relations," he said. The commander of the Russian Airforce's long-range aircraft, General Sergei Ivanovich Kobulash, said the exercises would provide "a profound exchange of experience between pilots and technical staff" from both countries. Kremlin visit The development follows hot on the heels of a visit to Moscow last week by President Nicolas Maduro during which he had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for his beleaguered socialist government. Maduro often accuses the United States of plotting against his government, which has overseen the plunge of a once-rich petrol state into a severe economic crisis. Besides the two bombers, the deployment included an An-124 transport plane and an Il-62 passenger plane, according to a Russian military announcement in Moscow. Padrino noted that Russian aircraft had visited before in 2013, but said their current deployment was part of a "new experience." He said exercises would be held to "raise the level of interoperability of the aerospace defence systems" of both countries. It was unclear how long the Russian deployment would last, and Padrino did not provide details about the exercises planned. In recent years, Venezuela has purchased millions of dollars in military equipment from Russia, he said. Venezuela acquired 24 Sukhoi-30 Russian fighters and signed a deal to purchase 53 MI-24 helicopter gunships and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles in 2016. 'Psychological warfare' Former defence minister Raul Salazar said the exercises with Russia "are part of what is called psychological warfare." "The purpose is to increase the perception that Venezuela is supported by Russia, China and Belarus, that it has the support of a power, in case another power tries to invade," Salazar told AFP. Maduro on Sunday said Washington had set in motion a plan to overthrow him, with the support of neighbouring Colombia. "Underway today is an attempt to disrupt the democratic life of Venezuela, coordinated directly from the White House," said Maduro, who claims he was the target of an August 4 drone attack hatched by Venezuela's opposition with the support of the US and Colombian governments. Caracas' defence minister said "nobody in the world should fear the presence of these strategic fighter-bombers. We are builders of peace and not of war." Padrino added however that other countries in the region had created "political and military imbalances" against which the Venezuelan government could not stand idly by -- an apparent reference to Bogota, which Caracas has accused of harbouring US military bases.

Russia deploys two bombers to Venezuela for exercises