U.S. General Visits Venezuela in Rare Engagement

Marine General Francis L. Donovan, who leads U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), made an unexpected trip to Caracas on Wednesday. During this visit, he met with Delcy Rodriguez, who is recognized as the “acting president” of Venezuela, along with other officials from the socialist government.

This visit is notable as it is the first by a U.S. military delegation since the January 3 arrest of former dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Syria Flores. General Donovan’s lengthy visit coincided with Rodriguez’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, just hours earlier.

Accompanying General Donovan were Ambassador Laura F. Dogou, who oversees Venezuelan affairs, and Joseph M. Humia, acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Homeland Defense and the Americas.

In their discussions, the leaders emphasized the United States’ commitment to a free and secure Venezuela, which they believe is essential not just for Venezuelans, but for the broader Western Hemisphere. This was highlighted in a press release from SOUTHCOM.

The talks mainly centered around the security situation in Venezuela, President Donald Trump’s plan for stabilization, and the importance of cooperative security across the region.

In a social media update, General Donovan shared that he began his agenda by meeting with military personnel stationed at U.S. Embassy facilities along with interagency partners. He also evaluated the internal security dynamics in Venezuela and engaged with transitional authorities to push forward the implementation of Trump’s plan to restore democracy there.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas reiterated their dedication to a prosperous Venezuela, reflecting a shared future with the U.S. and the region. They communicated this commitment in a social media post that included a translation of SOUTHCOM’s release.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Communications Minister Miguel Ángel Pérez Pirera mentioned that Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello attended the meeting. Both officials are considered high-ranking members of the current government yet face multiple charges from U.S. authorities related to drug trafficking.

Pérez Pirera stated that the discourse included plans to establish a bilateral cooperation agenda aimed at addressing drug trafficking and migration challenges in the region. He concluded by underscoring that diplomacy should serve as a key tool in resolving regional issues.

Interestingly, just the previous week, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright had also met with Rodriguez as part of his visit, which included an inspection of an oil field operated by Chevron.