Portuguese army chief steps down in wake of defense minister resignation

The Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army resigned on Wednesday, less than a week after the minister of defense stepped down over the Tancos weapons theft scandal.

"A letter was received today from General Francisco Jose Rovisco Duarte who, citing personal reasons, asked to resign from his position as Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army," read a bulletin posted on the Portuguese President's official web page.

Rovisco Duarte had been appointed by Jose Azeredo Lopes, who stepped down as defense minister on Friday.

Azeredo Lopes said he hoped his resignation would prevent the armed forces from being "worn down by political attacks".

He was referring to the fallout from the Tancos arms theft and recovery case.

In June 2017, a major hall of weapons and explosives were stolen from an arms depot in Tancos, 130 km northeast of Lisbon.

The weapons were recovered in October 2017 after a tip-off from an anonymous phone call.

A Judicial Police investigation followed, resulting in the arrest of several members of the army's top brass in September this year.

They included Major Vasco Brazao, who claimed he had informed Azeredo Lopes back in December that the recovery had been staged. Azeredo Lopes denies the accusation.

Joao Gomes Cravinho was announced as Azeredo Lopes' replacement on Monday. His first task in the new role will be to find a replacement for Rovisco Duarte.