US Embassy Reopens in Venezuela After 5-Year Closure

The United States has reopened its embassy in Venezuela, raising the American flag for the first time since 2019. The move comes after significant political changes in the South American nation, including the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

CARACAS, Venezuela — For the first time in five years, the Stars and Stripes flew over the United States Embassy in Venezuela on Saturday, marking a significant diplomatic milestone between the two nations following dramatic political upheaval that saw former President Nicolás Maduro detained by U.S. military forces in January.

The embassy’s restoration follows public endorsements from President Donald Trump for acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s replacement, who has worked to maintain diplomatic dialogue with Washington.

Embassy officials marked the occasion on social media, stating the flag was raised “exactly seven years after it was taken down.”

Local Venezuelans gathered to witness the historic moment expressed optimism about renewed diplomatic ties.

“It’s a good thing, really, what a joy,” said Caracas resident Luz Verónica López. “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.”

Fellow resident Alessandro Di Benedetto observed the celebratory mood among onlookers. “I found several people here surprised and happy because today they raised the U.S. flag at the embassy,” he said. “This is positive; this is another step.”

However, the diplomatic progress faces resistance from significant portions of Venezuelan society and political circles who oppose Trump’s military intervention that resulted in Maduro’s removal and imprisonment in New York alongside his spouse, as well as increased U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s petroleum sector.