With Maduro gone, the U.S. formally reopens its embassy in Caracas

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is operational again, the State Department announced Monday, as the U.S. formally resumes diplomatic and consular relations with Venezuela after more than seven years.

The news comes almost three months after U.S. forces carried out a large-scale strike on the country and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump’s administration recognized Venezuela’s interim authorities — headed by Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez — as a legitimate government when it re-established diplomatic ties.

“The resumption of operations at U.S. Embassy Caracas is a key milestone in implementing the President’s three‑phase plan for Venezuela and will strengthen our ability to engage directly with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector,” the State Department said in a statement Monday.

Prior to the recognition of the new government, President Donald Trump said the U.S. “will run” Venezuela until an approved transfer of power takes place.

Maduro and his wife face several charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and drug trafficking offenses, connected to allegations that they played a role in a massive cocaine distribution network. The two made their second appearance in federal court last week, and pleaded not guilty.

The military operation to capture Maduro took place as the U.S. targeted dozens of boats off the Venezuelan coast it accused of smuggling drugs. The military has not provided evidence that the vessels were carrying drugs. It has also intercepted oil tankers in the region, hampering the country’s most valuable economic asset.

Trump said earlier this month that “millions of barrels of oil are being taken out” from Venezuela and transported to refineries in Houston and other places, commending Rodríguez and characterizing the relationship between both countries as mutually beneficial.

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