U.S. opens embassy in Venezuela, restoring full diplomatic relations after seven years

The U.S. on Monday reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, seven years after both nations severed diplomatic and three months after a raid that resulted in former President Nicolas Maduro’s capture.

The restoration of relations between Washington and Caracas marks a new chapter in America’s diplomatic presence in a country that holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, about 303 billion barrels, officials said.

“The resumption of operations at U.S. Embassy Caracas is a key milestone in implementing [President Trump’s] three-phase plan for Venezuela and will strengthen our ability to engage directly with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector,” the State Department said Monday.

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas in January to lead the U.S. government’s efforts on the ground in Venezuela. Her team is restoring the chancery building at the embassy to prepare for the full return of personnel, the State Department said.

A milestone was the raising of the American flag at the embassy on March 14, exactly seven years after it was lowered.

“The American flag represents possibility, hope and freedom. It represents sacrifice, struggle, and overcoming insurmountable challenges. The United States Marines who care for the American flag know that better than anyone,” Ms. Dogu said. “The raising of the flag … symbolizes all that lies ahead for the people of Venezuela and the United States.”

The diplomatic break followed a disputed 2018 election that saw the U.S. recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela. In response, Mr. Maduro announced that he was severing ties with Washington and gave U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Some residents in Caracas said raising the American flag and opening the U.S. embassy were positive steps as the countries work to restore frayed relations.

“It’s a good thing, really, what a joy,” said Luz Veronica Lopez, who lives near the restored U.S. mission. “Other countries must come back too because that’s what we need: progress, to move forward with good relations with the rest of the world, as it should be.”

The State Department adjusted its travel advisory to Venezuela, saying warnings about “unrest” and “wrongful detention” were no longer applicable. Still, the U.S. government said any travel there should be reconsidered due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism and poor health infrastructure.

The Army’s Delta Force captured Mr. Maduro on Jan. 3 in a special forces mission code-named “Operation Absolute Resolve.” U.S. forces launched a series of strikes to suppress Venezuela’s air defenses before raiding his compound. Mr. Maduro was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores. They were initially transported to the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship in the Caribbean before being flown to New York City.

Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores have been indicted on multiple charges related to a long-running drug trafficking conspiracy, officials said.

He was replaced as Venezuela’s leader by his former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez. While she initially denounced the raid that resulted in Mr. Maduro’s capture, Ms. Rodriguez has proven willing to meet Mr. Trump’s demands, including reopening the country to U.S. oil companies.

“Delcy Rodriguez, who is the President of Venezuela, is doing a great job, and working with U.S. representatives very well,” Mr. Trump said on March 4 on his Truth Social account. “The oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both countries is a nice thing to see.”

Ms. Rodriguez quickly responded, thanking Mr. Trump “for the kind willingness of his government to work together on an agenda that strengthens binational cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the United States and Venezuela.”