CARACAS DAILY — 20 MARCH 2026
Rodriguez Replaces High Command; U.S. Lowers Travel Alert; Mining Law Advances
Chevron Executive Ali Moshiri Allegedly Advised CIA to Keep Delcy Rodriguez in Power
Former Chevron Latin America chief Ali Moshiri reportedly recommended to CIA maintaining Delcy Rodriguez as leader post-Maduro capture, Wall Street Journal and El Pitazo reported.
Rodriguez Announces 300 Million Dollars from Fuel Oil Sales for Worker Wages
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced 300 million dollars in revenue from fuel oil sales intended to increase worker incomes, TalCual Digital reported.
Rodriguez Rejects Petro Zero-Tariff Proposal Citing U.S. Sanctions Impact
Delcy Rodriguez rejected Colombian President Gustavo Petro's zero-tariff proposal, stating Venezuelan people remain under sanctions, El Nacional reported.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Acting President Delcy Rodriguez replaced the commanders of the Armada, Aviation, and Milicia Bolivariana on 19 March, completing a sweeping reorganization of Venezuela's military leadership following the ouster of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez. The moves consolidate Rodriguez's control over the armed forces but place human rights-accused officials in key posts. The U.S. Department of State reduced Venezuela's travel advisory from Level 4 to Level 3, citing improved security conditions in most areas while maintaining maximum warnings for six states. The Asamblea Nacional advanced mining reform legislation with minimal opposition pushback, opening the sector to private investment. Approximately 40 political prisoners were released during the reporting period, though relatives staged protests denouncing inhumane detention conditions and demanding broader application of the amnesty law. END SUMMARY.
