Top U.S. Military Commander Visits Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant diplomatic and military development, the commander of the U.S. Southern Command, Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, made a surprise visit to Venezuela on February 19, 2026, marking the first U.S. military delegation visit to the country since the operation that led to the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The visit underscores the evolving relationship between the United States and Venezuela amid a critical transition period for the South American nation.
Gen. Donovan was accompanied by Ambassador Laura F. Dogu, Chargé d’Affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, and Joseph M. Humire, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and the Americas. Together, they met with Venezuela’s interim authorities in Caracas to discuss security cooperation and the path forward for a stable, democratic Venezuela. The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for military operations in Central and South America, emphasized the commitment to a “free, safe and prosperous Venezuela for the Venezuelan people, the United States, and the Western Hemisphere.”
The capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3 followed a meticulously planned U.S. operation aimed at restoring democratic governance in Venezuela, a country that has faced political turmoil, economic instability, and humanitarian challenges for over a decade. Maduro’s removal has opened a new chapter, with interim leaders now seeking to rebuild institutions and reestablish international partnerships.
The visit by Gen. Donovan comes amid heightened regional focus on security cooperation, counter-narcotics efforts, and the prevention of transnational threats. The U.S. Southern Command’s engagement signals a willingness to support Venezuela’s transition and contribute to stability in the Western Hemisphere. Such cooperation aligns with broader U.S. defense and diplomatic strategies outlined by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State, which have prioritized democratic restoration and regional security.
Venezuelan opposition leaders have welcomed the developments. María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, likened Maduro’s fall to the historic collapse of the Berlin Wall, highlighting the potential for a “largest voluntary return” of Venezuelans in exile and the prospects for upcoming elections. Machado’s remarks reflect optimism about Venezuela’s democratic future amid ongoing challenges.
The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela described the visit as a “historic day,” underscoring the importance of direct engagement with interim authorities. This diplomatic milestone follows years of strained relations and sanctions, signaling a possible thaw and a new phase of cooperation.
Experts note that the success of Venezuela’s transition will depend on sustained international support, effective governance, and reconciliation efforts. The U.S. Southern Command’s role in this process is pivotal, as military and security collaboration will be essential to counter threats such as illicit trafficking and regional instability.
For more detailed information on the U.S. Southern Command’s mission and regional operations, visit the U.S. Southern Command official site. The U.S. Department of State’s Venezuela page provides updates on diplomatic efforts, while the Department of Defense spotlight on Southern Command offers insights into military engagement in the Americas.
As Venezuela embarks on this critical phase, the international community watches closely, hopeful that cooperation between the United States and Venezuela’s interim government will foster lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
Leave a Reply