In a significant diplomatic development, United States Ambassador Laura Dogu has touched down in Caracas to officially reopen the American diplomatic mission in Venezuela, marking the end of a seven-year period of severed ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Dogu's Arrival and Mission
Ambassador Dogu arrived at Maiquetia airport in Caracas on Saturday, 31 January 2026, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela's account on X, which shared images of her landing. In a posted message, Dogu stated, "My team and I are ready to work," signalling a proactive approach to re-establishing diplomatic channels.
Background to the Diplomatic Rupture
The reopening follows a major geopolitical shift, coming almost one month after a U.S. military action ordered by President Donald Trump removed the South American country's then-leader, Nicolás Maduro, from office. Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States were originally broken off in February 2019, a decision made by Maduro after Trump publicly supported lawmaker Juan Guaidó's claim to be the nation's interim president in January of that year. This led to the mutual closure of embassies, creating a prolonged diplomatic vacuum.
Venezuelan Government's Response and Conditions
Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, a powerful politician and Maduro loyalist, commented earlier in January that reopening the U.S. embassy would provide the Venezuelan government with a means to oversee the treatment of the deposed president, who is currently jailed in the U.S. This highlights ongoing tensions and conditions surrounding the diplomatic restart.
In a message on Telegram, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil described Dogu's arrival as part of a joint schedule aimed at "dealing with and resolving existing differences through diplomatic dialogue, in a foundation of mutual respect and (based on) international law." This indicates a willingness from both sides to engage in constructive talks.
Timing with Domestic Political Moves
Ambassador Dogu's arrival coincides with key domestic developments in Venezuela. She landed just one day after the country's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced an amnesty bill to release political prisoners, a move that was a central demand of the Venezuelan opposition. This timing suggests a coordinated effort to address internal and external political pressures.
Dogu, who has previously served as an ambassador in Nicaragua and Honduras, brings experienced diplomatic skills to this challenging role. Her appointment and mission underscore a strategic U.S. effort to re-engage with Venezuela amidst evolving political landscapes in Latin America.
