US Diplomatic Team Returns to Venezuela for First Time Since Maduro’s Ouster

A US State Department team has traveled to Venezuela for the first time since the ouster of former leader Nicolas Maduro, signaling a possible shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to US officials, diplomatic and security personnel from the Venezuela Affairs Unit, along with acting US Ambassador to Colombia John McNamara, arrived in Caracas to conduct an initial assessment of conditions on the ground. The visit is focused on determining whether the United States can begin a phased reopening of its embassy in the Venezuelan capital.

The US suspended operations at its Caracas embassy in 2019 and withdrew diplomats following a breakdown in relations with the Maduro government. Since then, the Venezuela Affairs Unit has operated out of the US embassy in Bogota, Colombia.

The latest visit comes as the Trump administration explores re-establishing a diplomatic presence in Venezuela. Officials say the assessment will examine security conditions and the physical state of the embassy building to determine whether it is viable for reopening. While meetings with Venezuelan interim political leadership are being discussed, they are not expected to occur during this trip.

Venezuela’s foreign ministry confirmed the US delegation’s arrival, describing it as part of an “exploratory diplomatic process” aimed at restoring diplomatic missions in both countries. Venezuelan officials also said a delegation would travel to the United States to continue discussions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed lawmakers earlier this week, noting that reopening the embassy would depend heavily on security conditions and necessary repairs to the facility. Sources familiar with the process say a small US presence could potentially be established quickly, though a full reopening would likely take much longer.

Former US officials caution that safety concerns remain a major hurdle, emphasizing the need for confidence that US personnel would not face threats such as injury, kidnapping, or detention.

The move underscores broader US interest in Venezuela’s future, including potential involvement in rebuilding efforts and the possible return of US oil companies to the country.

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