US Flag Raised at Venezuela Embassy After 7-Year Hiatus

CARACAS, Venezuela (Azat TV) – The American flag was raised Saturday over the U.S. Embassy in Caracas for the first time since 2019, marking a symbolic step in the recent thaw of relations between the United States and Venezuela. The ceremony occurred seven years to the day after the flag was last lowered, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy team.

U.S. Embassy Reopens Amid Shifting Relations

The reopening of the embassy and the raising of the flag follow a significant shift in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, particularly since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by American troops in January. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Maduro’s successor, acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has sought to maintain dialogue with the U.S. government.

Local Reactions to Diplomatic Resumption

The event drew immediate attention and positive reactions from local residents in Caracas. Luz Verónica López, a resident, expressed her joy, stating, “It’s a good thing, really, what a joy. Other countries must come back too because that’s what we need; progress, to move forward with good relations with the rest of the world, as it should be.” Another resident, Alessandro Di Benedetto, noted the surprised and happy atmosphere among onlookers, describing it as “another step” forward.

Lingering Political Tensions

Despite the diplomatic overtures, a segment of Venezuelan society and its political establishment remain critical of President Trump. Concerns persist regarding his decision to forcibly remove Maduro from office, his subsequent imprisonment in New York, and the increasing American influence in Venezuela’s vital oil industry. These underlying tensions highlight the complex path ahead for bilateral relations.

The symbolic act of raising the U.S. flag underscores the evolving diplomatic landscape, driven by the recent change in Venezuelan leadership and a renewed, albeit cautious, engagement between Caracas and Washington.