Venezuela's Interim President Dismisses General Following Maduro's Capture

Thu Jan 08 2026 22:00:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant political shift, Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez has dismissed General Javier Marcano Tábata, the head of the presidential honor guard, just days after Nicolás Maduro's dramatic capture by U.S. forces.

Delcy Rodríguez has announced the dismissal of General Javier Marcano Tábata from his position commanding the presidential honor guard in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces. This decision is seen as a move to reassert control and establish loyalty within the military, especially amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny and potential threats from the United States. General Marcano's connection to the military counterintelligence unit, which has faced significant criticism for human rights violations, also casts a shadow over his leadership.

The general in command of Venezuela's presidential honour guard, Javier Marcano Tábata, has been sacked days after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was seized by US forces in a raid in Caracas and transported to New York to face trial on narco-terrorism charges.

The presidential honour guard is responsible for protecting the head of state. Following the operation that captured Maduro, casualties include members of the guard, with an official count yet to be released.

The order to replace Gen. Marcano Tábata came from the new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in by the National Assembly dominated by government loyalists. Having served as Maduro's vice-president, she is a close ally of the detained leader.

US President Donald Trump commented post-capture that the United States would run Venezuela, while threatening Rodríguez with repercussions if she did not meet US demands regarding Venezuela's significant oil resources.

Rodríguez has had a fluctuating response, labeling Maduro's capture as an illegal kidnapping while inviting collaboration with the United States. Analysts suggest that Gen. Marcano Tábata's dismissal is more about accountability for the failed protection of Maduro and securing her position in a time of uncertainty.

The move is a reflection of Rodríguez's efforts to consolidate power and build a trusted inner circle amidst looming threats, including potential further US military action. The uncertainty over the future of Venezuela continues as the dynamics of power shift and the implications of Maduro's seizure unfold.