General Francis L. Donovan, chief of U.S. Southern Command, made a surprise visit to Venezuela, marking a pivotal moment following the January capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces. The American delegation met with acting President Delcy Rodríguez and key ministers. Discussions focused on stabilizing the country, combating drug cartels, and implementing a Washington-prepared three-stage plan for political and economic transformation in the region.
Historic military visit
General Francis L. Donovan met with authorities in Caracas, declaring support for stabilizing the country after the regime's overthrow.
Nicolás Maduro's trial
The former dictator is detained in New York accused of cocaine trafficking; the Brazilian president demands a trial in Venezuela.
Oil instead of sanctions
The U.S. is negotiating the sale of Venezuelan oil to India to displace supplies from Russia in that market.
The visit of General Francis L. Donovan to Caracas is the first military mission of this rank since the operation on January 3, 2026, when U.S. special forces captured Nicolás Maduro. The American commander, accompanied by senior Pentagon official Joseph Humire, held talks with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and the ministers of defense and interior. The delegation's main goal was to assess security and ensure full cooperation from the new authorities in combating drug smuggling and terrorism.
Since 2019, Venezuela has been in a deep crisis of dual power, which escalated after controversial elections and led to the U.S. imposing drastic sanctions on the oil sector. Parallel to military talks, diplomatic and economic negotiations are underway. The Donald Trump administration is actively promoting the sale of Venezuelan oil to India as an alternative to supplies from Russia. In exchange for diversifying supplies, Washington offers New Delhi preferential tariff rates. Within Venezuela itself, social sentiment remains tense, although polls indicate broad support for the U.S. intervention. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Lula da Silva appeals for Maduro to be tried in his homeland, not before foreign tribunals, highlighting regional controversies over the extradition of the former dictator.
The situation in Caracas is stabilizing under the supervision of American advisors. The new authorities are preparing to debate an amnesty law aimed at releasing political prisoners. A meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also been announced to settle border issues. Experts indicate that the White House's priority is to quickly restore oil production and integrate Venezuela into the Western security system, ultimately ending the decades-long period of chavismo influence in South America.
Mentioned People
- Francis L. Donovan — General of the Marine Corps, chief of United States Southern Command (Southcom).
- Delcy Rodríguez — Acting President of Venezuela after Maduro's capture.
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — President of Brazil, criticizing Maduro's trial outside Venezuela's borders.