The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an urgent call for Dutch citizens currently in Venezuela to inform family and friends of their safety following explosions and a reported U.S. military operation in Caracas.
The ministry confirmed that the Dutch embassy in Caracas remains open and advised citizens who require assistance to contact either the embassy or their travel agencies. Venezuela has been under a red travel advisory since June 18, 2025, meaning all Dutch nationals are strongly advised to leave the country.
The advisory follows reports of early Saturday attacks in Caracas and nearby regions including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores had been captured and removed from the country, though U.S. authorities have not officially confirmed the operation. Venezuelan officials have since declared a national state of emergency, calling the events an act of “military aggression.”
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel stated on social media platform X that the situation remains unclear and is being closely monitored. He confirmed ongoing communication with the Dutch embassy, the Ministry of Defense, and Caribbean partners, emphasizing that the safety of Dutch citizens and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the top priority.
The escalating situation has also had a direct impact on Aruba and the wider Caribbean. Airline KLM announced the cancellation of flights to Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten due to the closure of airspace near Curaçao. Flights to Georgetown (Guyana) and Bridgetown (Barbados) were also suspended.
According to KLM, approximately 1,200 passengers across five flights were affected. The airline confirmed that all aircraft already en route from the Caribbean were safely returned to Amsterdam. KLM stated it will continue to assess the situation before deciding whether upcoming flights can proceed, stressing that passenger and crew safety remains the highest priority.
The situation has sparked political reactions in the Netherlands. PVV leader Geert Wilders publicly supported Trump’s actions, while SP leader Jimmy Dijk criticized the military operation, warning of increased international instability and loss of life. Party for the Animals (PvdD) MP Christine Teunissen described the attack as illegal and urged the Dutch cabinet to strongly condemn it, also calling for heightened attention to the safety of residents in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Authorities continue to monitor developments as the situation unfolds across the region.
Photo Credits : https://nltimes.nl/2026/01/03/dutch-citizens-urged-leave-venezuela-klm-cancels-caribbean-flights
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