THE HAGUE - The Dutch government is closely monitoring recent developments in Venezuela after U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in the country targeting drug cartels. The move, according to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is part of Washington’s broader effort to increase pressure on the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

While the Netherlands views the U.S. decision as a continuation of its longstanding policy toward Venezuela, the Ministry emphasized that the situation does not currently change the threat assessment for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Nevertheless, officials in The Hague confirmed that both the Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministries are “closely monitoring developments and keeping the other parts of the Kingdom well informed,” referring to the Caribbean territories of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

The Ministry underlined that the future of Venezuela must be determined through free and fair elections, adding that the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to opposition leader María Corina Machado reinforces that message.

President Trump announced last week that he had given the CIA authorization to conduct secret operations in Venezuela. He cited the large volume of narcotics allegedly entering the United States through Venezuela and the release of prisoners by the Maduro government who, according to Trump, were subsequently heading toward the U.S.

The Government of the Netherlands is watching these developments carefully, aware of the potential regional consequences such actions could have for the ABC islands, which lie just a short distance off the Venezuelan coast. Any escalation of tensions could affect maritime security, migration patterns, and regional stability.

Dutch authorities have reiterated that the Kingdom remains committed to supporting democratic processes and regional peace while maintaining vigilance over geopolitical shifts that may impact its Caribbean territories.