U.S. embassy in Venezuela officially reopens

Photo taken on March 30, 2026, shows the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, capital of Venezuela. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela's capital resumed operations on Monday, roughly three months after U.S. forces raided the South American country and forcibly seized its president, Nicolas Maduro.

"Today, we are formally resuming operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela," the U.S. Department of State said in a statement, adding that the reopening of the embassy "is expected to strengthen direct engagement with the interim government, civil society and the private sector."

The United States gradually resumed ties with Venezuela after Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez took over as acting president in the wake of Maduro's capture on Jan. 3.

The United States and Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations in 2019, when U.S. President Donald Trump, during his first term, recognized then opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela, accusing Maduro of rigging the presidential election.

Photo taken on March 30, 2026, shows the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, capital of Venezuela. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)

The U.S. flag flutters at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, on March 30, 2026. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)

Photo taken on March 30, 2026, shows the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, capital of Venezuela. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)

Photo taken on March 30, 2026, shows the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, capital of Venezuela. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)

The U.S. flag flutters at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, on March 30, 2026. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)