| Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Defensa | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Seal_of_the_Ministry_of_People%27s_Power_for_Defense.svg) Seal of the Ministry of People's Power for Defense | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Flag_of_the_Ministry_of_Defense_(Venezuela).svg) Flag | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Ministeridefensacaracs.JPG) Ministry of Defense in Caracas. | |
| Ministry overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | April 19, 1810 (as War and Navy Bureau) |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Venezuela |
| Headquarters | Caracas, Venezuela 10°27′38.9″N 66°53′58.4″W / 10.460806°N 66.899556°W |
| Minister responsible | |
The Venezuelan Ministry of People's Power for Defense (Spanish: Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Defensa) is the federal-level organization responsible for maintaining the Venezuelan armed forces. As of October 2014, this ministry is headed by General Vladimir Padrino López. The ministry coordinates numerous counter-narcotics operations (e.g., Operation Sierra through the CUFAN organ), helps perform various civil support and social development programs, and oversees the conventional military capabilities of Venezuela.