The Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire have been placed on heightened alert following U.S. military strikes in neighboring Venezuela, prompting assurances of support from the Dutch government.
Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed on Saturday that he had spoken directly with the leaders of Aruba and Curaçao, as well as the Governor of Bonaire, to express solidarity and reassurance during what he described as an uncertain and tense moment for the region.
“The people and governments of the islands can count on our support,” Schoof stated in a message shared on social media.
The islands lie between 35 and 80 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast, where U.S. forces reportedly carried out raids in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to international reports.
Aruba and Curaçao operate as autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire holds special municipal status under Dutch administration.
The United States maintains counter-narcotics aircraft operations at military facilities in both Aruba and Curaçao under agreements signed in 2000 and 2001. In December, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that these bases were not used during earlier U.S. actions involving Venezuelan vessels suspected of drug trafficking. As of now, Brekelmans has not commented on the latest developments.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Dutch nationals currently in Venezuela to contact relatives and confirm their safety. Venezuela has been under a code red travel advisory since July, discouraging all travel.
In response to the escalating situation, KLM has reportedly cancelled all flights to Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, as well as to Georgetown (Guyana) and Bridgetown (Barbados), citing regional security concerns.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as developments unfold.
Photo credits : https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/01/dutch-caribbean-islands-on-alert-after-us-venezuela-strikes/
