Venezuela: profound reorganization of the leaders of the Bolivarian National Guard

A profound reorganization of the Bolivarian National Guard (Gnb) in Venezuela is underway: of the 24 area commanders appointed by Nicolás Maduro before January 3, 2026, 23 have in fact been replaced by interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The only one confirmed is Brigadier General Liberto Giovany Vivas Contreras, who has led the command in the State of Lara since August 2024. The area commanders play a strategic role in territorial control, public order and internal security of the individual States, as well as acting as a liaison with the integral defense operational zones.

Among the new leaders there are officials considered close to important exponents of Venezuelan power. General Henribsen Fidel Herrera Riso was appointed in La Guaira, with experience in airport security and indicated as close to Diosdado Cabello. Misael Ricardo Luna Párica was confirmed in Caracas, while Mervin Gregorio Rincón Simóns arrived in the state of Carabobo, already employed by the current Defense Minister Gustavo González López when the latter led Sebin, the Bolivarian intelligence agency.