American flag raised, US Embassy in Venezuela begins operations

The American flag was raised today for the first time since 2019 in front of the US Embassy in Venezuela, formally starting its operations.

It shows a shift in relations between the two countries since US troops captured President Nicolas Maduro in January and forcibly took him to the US to stand trial for "narco-terrorism".

The reopening of the Embassy was preceded by several statements by US President Donald Trump in support of Maduro's successor, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, who has attempted to hold open negotiations with the US government.

The flag was raised "exactly seven years after it was lowered," the US Embassy team announced on social media.

The reopening of Ambaada immediately attracted the attention of residents.

"A good thing, really, what a joy!" said Caracas resident Luz Veronica Lopez. "Other countries must also return because we need it; progress, to move forward with good relations with the rest of the world, as it should be," she said.

Alessandro Di Benedetto, a resident of Caracas, noted the positive atmosphere in front of the Embassy: "I found several people here surprised and happy; it's positive, this is another step."

Despite this, large parts of Venezuelan society and the political establishment condemn Trump, his decision to forcefully remove Maduro from office and imprison him in New York with his wife, and they also resent the growing American influence on their country's oil industry.