CFK removes head of El Palomar base after ammo theft

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner removed the head of the First Aerial Brigade, Daniel Rodríguez, after news broke of a large ammo theft from a warehouse in the El Palomar Air Force base, Cabinet Chief Aníbal Fernández reported.

Mrs. Fernández de Kirchner made the decision after meeting with the head of the Joint Chiefs, Jorge Chevalier, whom she summoned after learning of the disappearance of over 30,000 .09 and .22 caliber rounds.

“The President asked Mr. Chevalier for an explanation since he is the head of the Armed Forces. After being briefed, she decided to remove Mr. Rodríguez from his post,” the Cabinet Chief explained.

Earlier, Mr. Fernández said the theft was considered to be “very serious,” even though he assured that the rounds were “out of commission” and they were going to be destroyed because they had been affected by water during a flood.

“These deeds cannot go unpunished,” he said.

Yesterday, a group of robbers stole a large amount of ammunition from the Air Force. The assailants cut through the base’s perimeter fence and broke into the warehouse, located in El Palomar, in the Greater Buenos Aires area.