Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, announced on Friday that she has dismissed Industry Minister Alex Saab from the government. Saav is considered one of the most loyal to ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
The Colombian-born businessman, who had significantly strengthened ties between the oil industries of Venezuela and Iran, countries on which sanctions were imposed by the US, was appointed Minister of Industry in December 2024.
He left the government less than two weeks after the capture of his mentor in Caracas in the January 3 US military operation.
The decision came a day after Rodriguez held a meeting with CIA head John Ratcliffe.
"I thank my friend Alex Saab for his work in the service of the country; he will now take on new duties," Rodriguez said via Telegram.
The 54-year-old was imprisoned in the United States in 2021, which accused him of creating a system of humanitarian aid abuse to benefit Maduro and his government.
He was exchanged in December 2023 for ten Americans who were imprisoned in Venezuela. His release was described as a “triumph” by Maduro.
