Brazil names new military chiefs amid tensions with Bolsonaro

APD NEWS

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Brazil's Defense Ministry on Wednesday named new commanders of its armed forces, a day after the previous three chiefs were sacked as part of President Jair Bolsonaro's unprecedented attempt to meddle in the military.

Paulo Sergio Nogueira de Oliveira will take over the army, Almir Garnier the navy and Carlos Almeida Baptista Júnior the air force, said Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto in his first news conference since assuming his new role this week.

As he announced the names, Braga Netto said the armed forces remained faithful to their constitutional mission.

"The military has not been found wanting in the past and will not be found wanting when the country needs it," he said.

All three military officers have lengthy service, easing fears among some analysts that Bolsonaro might choose more junior personnel more willing to politicize the armed forces.

(CGTN)