Feb 19 • 02:16 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Top US commander makes surprise visit to Venezuela after Maduro’s capture

US military officials paid an unprecedented visit to Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, marking a significant shift in US-Venezuelan relations.

In a surprising move, General Francis Donovan, the top US military commander for Latin America, along with high-ranking Pentagon official Joseph Humire, visited Venezuela for security discussions. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first military delegation trip from the US to Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro last month. Maduro was apprehended during an operation by US forces and subsequently taken to New York to address serious drug-trafficking allegations against him.

During this unprecedented visit, the US delegation engaged in talks with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other officials. The talks reportedly focused on security issues which are crucial in the context of the evolving political landscape in Venezuela after Maduro's departure. The Venezuelan government welcomed the discussions, suggesting a readiness to work with the US on security and possibly stabilizing the nation amid ongoing crises.

This visit could indicate a shift in US policy towards Venezuela, especially considering the historical tensions between the two nations. It might signify a new phase in diplomatic relations, where security cooperation becomes a viable path amidst the challenges of governance in Venezuela. Additionally, it opens discussions around reconstruction efforts and potential frameworks for future cooperation if the political situation remains steady without Maduro at the helm.

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