Despite escalating political and military tensions between the United States and Venezuela, the Dutch government has stated that there is no acute threat to the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
During a meeting in the Dutch Tweede Kamer, parliamentarians raised sharp questions to the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, David van Weel, seeking clarity on the risks posed to the ABC islands as U.S. military actions against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean have increased significantly since September.
Van Weel responded to most questions but avoided going deep into sensitive areas of the conflict. He neither endorsed nor criticized the U.S. attacks on speedboats in the Caribbean Sea, although he noted that Washington defends these actions as matters of national security. Van Weel stated he is not convinced that argument would stand in an international court.
The Netherlands continues to urge all parties to de-escalate. While monitoring the situation closely, The Hague believes that even if the U.S. were to launch an attack on Venezuela, it would not pose a direct threat to Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao.
The Minister did acknowledge that, theoretically, any retaliation might come from Venezuela rather than the U.S., but current indications show that the Maduro government is trying to avoid further escalation. Contacts between Caracas and Washington continue, and U.S. companies remain active in Venezuela’s oil sector.
Van Weel emphasized that there is “no acute threat to Aruba, Curaçao, or Bonaire.” Dutch officials maintain regular communication with the island governments—sometimes twice weekly—to keep them informed and reassured. There is also no indication of a potential refugee wave at this time.
Still, The Netherlands has prepared contingency plans. Should the ABC islands temporarily lose access to tourism or imported goods, ships such as the supply vessel Zr.Ms. Den Helder and Pelikaan can deliver essential food and materials. However, the Dutch government stressed it does not wish to increase military presence in the region to avoid appearing involved in any conflict.
The Netherlands also clarified that no airports in Curaçao or Bonaire have been used in missile-related operations in the Caribbean. U.S. aircraft operating under the FOL agreement are unarmed and only involved in anti-drug missions.
The minister concluded with a message for the ABC island communities:
“The Netherlands stands ready to offer support if the situation worsens.”
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