14.03.2026 23:13
A notable development has occurred in the long-standing diplomatic tension between the United States and Venezuela. The American flag was raised again at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, for the first time since it was lowered on March 14, 2019. The ceremony was seen as a symbolic indication of the recent changes in relations between the two countries and the resumption of diplomatic contacts.
The American flag was raised again at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, for the first time since diplomatic relations were severed in 2019. The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, March 14, was seen as an important symbolic step that could signal the beginning of a new era in the long-frozen relations between Washington and Caracas.
IT WAS LOWERED AFTER THE CRISIS IN 2019
The diplomatic tension between the U.S. and Venezuela peaked during the political crisis between the two countries in 2019. The Washington administration declared that it did not recognize the legitimacy of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president.
Following these developments, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended its activities, and American diplomatic personnel left the country. During the same process, the U.S. flag at the embassy was lowered on March 14.
RAISED AGAIN AFTER SEVEN YEARS
The U.S. flag was raised again on Saturday in a ceremony marking the 7th anniversary of the day it was lowered, after the passing of several years. According to diplomatic sources, this step is seen as a symbolic indication of the renewed contacts that have recently begun between the two countries.
While the flag is currently waving, the building is undergoing renovations, and it is still unclear when it will fully reopen.
THE U.S. OPERATION AGAINST MADURO
The U.S. removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from the country in a special military operation conducted on January 4, 2026. Maduro, brought to the U.S., was brought to court on charges of drug and arms trafficking. He denied the charges here, stating, "I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am an honest person. I am still the president of my country."
While March 17 was set as the next court date for Maduro, his Deputy Delcy Rodriguez was designated as the country's new leader.