THE HAGUE – The Dutch political party D66 has raised concerns about the security of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao as tensions escalate between neighboring Venezuela and the United States.
In a set of parliamentary questions submitted to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp, and Defense, Ruben Brekelmans, D66 MPs Jan Paternotte, Jeanet van der Werff, and Hülya Kat Bamenga called for clarity on what measures the Kingdom is taking to ensure the safety of civil aviation, shipping, and critical infrastructure around the ABC islands.
They specifically highlighted the risks to cruise and tanker traffic, as well as to vital port facilities and undersea cable connections.
Concerns over travel advice and contingency planning
The MPs also pressed the government to explain whether travel advisories and contingency plans for residents and visitors are being updated in light of recent developments, and how such updates are being communicated with local communities, businesses, and the tourism sector.
Their questions follow statements by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday, in which he announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia fighters. The move came in response to reports—denied by the White House—of U.S. Navy ships and troops positioned near Venezuela.
Questions on U.S. naval presence and Dutch preparedness
Among the detailed questions posed to the government are:
What is the official information the Kingdom has received from the U.S. regarding the deployment of three Aegis destroyers in the Caribbean, including their purpose, duration, and operational scope?
Was there any diplomatic or military consultation with Washington before or after the announcement?
To what extent does this deployment affect the Cooperative Security Location (formerly the FOL) in Aruba and Curaçao, including overflight rights, staging rights, data sharing, and staffing levels?
What direct military and coast guard resources are available in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, and what escalation options exist?
Are additional personnel or equipment measures needed for the Coast Guard, and will the government issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or Navigational Warning to ensure the safety of air and sea traffic?
How are Aruba and Curaçao being involved in decision-making regarding defense and foreign policy issues that affect their security situation with Venezuela?
Will Parliament be updated regularly, including through confidential briefings if necessary, on readiness, conflict management, and potential scenarios?
Monitoring developments closely
The D66 faction emphasized that transparency and preparedness are crucial, particularly given the region’s reliance on tourism, energy shipping, and international trade. They requested that each question be answered individually for the upcoming Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense.
The Dutch government has not yet issued an official response.
