Jesús Suárez Chourio
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Jesús Rafael Suárez Chourio (born 19 July 1962) is a Venezuelan military officer who served as the General Commander of the Bolivarian Army of Venezuela from 20 June 2017 until 8 July 2019.[1]
Chourio served as General of the Army Division, graduated in the "Francisco de Paula Alcántara" promotion of 1986 of the Military Academy of Venezuela. Commander of the 42 Parachute Brigade of Maracay, Aragua. He is also commander of the Comprehensive Defense Operations Zone (ZODI) for the State of Aragua. He participated in the coup d'état of 1992, led by Hugo Chávez and, after his death, was one of those who helped to load his coffin during the funeral.[1]
Until 2011, he was leader of the Protection and Security Unit in charge of the protection of the President of the Republic and head of the private guard of Chávez. He was one of the military of his greatest confidence. In an official ceremony on 5 March 2014, the anniversary of the death of Hugo Chávez, the first words he spoke were "Chávez vive!" (English: "Long Live Chávez") to which President Nicolás Maduro responded "The struggle continues" (Spanish: "La lucha sigue").[1]
In July 2016, President Nicolás Maduro appointed Chourio to command the Comprehensive Defense Region of the Central Zone (REDI Central), which comprises the States of Aragua, Carabobo and Yaracuy states, and promoted to major general.[1]
On 8 July 2019, President Nicolás Maduro dismissed Chourio as general commander of the Venezuelan Army and appointed Rodriguez Cabello as his successor, brother of PSUV vice president Diosdado Cabello.[2]