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Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, on Friday sacked industry minister Alex Saab, a close ally of ousted president Nicolas Maduro, as part of a broader shake-up of the country’s transitional government.
In a message posted on Telegram, Rodriguez said the industry ministry would be merged with the commerce portfolio, thanked Saab for his service, and indicated he would assume new responsibilities.
The move comes against mounting pressure from Washington following the January 3 US military operation that led to Maduro’s removal from power.
Saab, a Colombian-born Venezuelan businessman, was appointed industry minister in 2024 under Maduro. He had been freed in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap with the United States after spending years in detention on money-laundering charges.
His dismissal is among several key changes introduced by Rodriguez since Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces.
Meanwhile, opposition figure Maria Corina Machado said Venezuela had entered what she described as the first phase of a genuine democratic transition, insisting the country would regain its freedom with backing from the United States and President Donald Trump.
Speaking in Washington, Machado said the transition would have a far-reaching impact on Venezuelans and the wider region, adding that US support would be decisive.
However, Trump has reportedly sidelined Machado and instead recognised Rodriguez as interim leader, citing concerns over Machado’s domestic support and prioritising US access to Venezuela’s oil resources.
In a sign of renewed engagement, a US deportation flight carrying 231 Venezuelans landed in Caracas on Friday, the first such return since Maduro’s overthrow.
Rodriguez has said her government remains prepared to engage the United States diplomatically, while insisting it would defend Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Maduro, meanwhile, remains in custody in New York, where he faces drug trafficking charges.
