The U.S. has named Laura Dogu as Chargé d'Affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, which operates from the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. Dogu, a former ambassador to Honduras and Nicaragua, will lead the unit during a transition as Washington evaluates options for resuming operations in Caracas. U.S. personnel visited Caracas on January 9 to assess a potential phased reopening; all diplomatic staff were withdrawn from Venezuela in 2019 amid unrest. Unverified online claims about President Nicolás Maduro's capture are not reflected in official reporting.
U.S. Appoints Laura Dogu As Chargé d'Affaires To Lead Venezuela Affairs Unit In Bogota
FILE PHOTO: A view of the city of Caracas, in Caracas, Venezuela January 19, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo
The United States has named Laura Dogu, a two‑time U.S. ambassador, as Chargé d'Affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, which operates from the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, the embassy said on its website.
Dogu, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Honduras and Nicaragua, will lead the diplomatic team covering Venezuela from Bogota during a transition period as Washington monitors developments and evaluates options for reestablishing a more permanent presence in Caracas.
“This plan requires a full‑time Chargé d'Affaires at the Venezuela Affairs Unit, located at the United States Embassy in Bogota. Ambassador Dogu is well‑positioned to lead the team during this transition period,” a senior State Department official said.
The appointment comes as the U.S. continues to assess the situation in Venezuela. Earlier this month, U.S. diplomatic and security personnel visited Caracas on January 9 to evaluate a possible phased resumption of embassy operations, the State Department said.
Washington withdrew all diplomatic personnel from Venezuela in 2019 amid deteriorating security and political conditions after months of unrest. The Venezuela Affairs Unit in Bogota has handled diplomatic matters since then.
Note on reporting: Some online claims circulating about the capture or transport of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro are unverified. This article reflects confirmed diplomatic developments: the Dogu appointment and U.S. assessments regarding embassy operations.
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