The U.S. flag was raised Saturday at the American embassy in Caracas for the first time since 2019, a symbolic move the embassy said occurred "exactly seven years after it was taken down." The building remains under renovation and no reopening date has been announced. Residents largely greeted the moment with optimism, though many Venezuelans remain wary of increased U.S. influence—especially in the oil sector. Claims about President Nicolás Maduro’s capture and detention are unverified and have been excluded pending confirmation.
U.S. Flag Flies Over Embassy in Caracas Again — First Time Since 2019
An American flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 14, 2026, seven years after it was lowered when Washington and Caracas cut diplomatic relations in 2019. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The American flag was raised Saturday above the U.S. Embassy in Caracas for the first time since 2019, a symbolic step in the evolving relationship between Washington and Caracas. The embassy said the flag was hoisted "exactly seven years after it was taken down."
Embassy Still Under Renovation
Officials note that the embassy building remains under renovation, and no date has been given for a full reopening. The embassy’s statement was posted on its social media channels but offered no timetable for resuming regular consular operations.
An American flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 14, 2026, seven years after it was lowered when Washington and Caracas cut diplomatic relations in 2019. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Local Reaction
The return of the American flag drew immediate attention from residents outside the mission. "It’s a good thing, really, what a joy," said Caracas resident Luz Verónica López. Another witness, Alessandro Di Benedetto, described a cheerful mood among onlookers: "I found several people here surprised and happy because today they raised the U.S. flag at the embassy. This is positive; this is another step."
Political Context
While the flag-raising was welcomed by many residents, substantial portions of Venezuelan society and political figures remain wary of growing U.S. influence, particularly in the country’s oil sector and broader geopolitics. Criticism of past U.S. policies toward Venezuela persists, and opinions about renewed ties are mixed.
Note: Some versions of this story have contained claims about President Nicolás Maduro being captured and detained in the United States. Those claims are unverified and contradicted by public records; they have been omitted from this revised report pending confirmation from reliable sources.
As diplomatic activity resumes at the mission in Caracas, observers will watch for formal announcements about consular services, staff presence and the broader trajectory of U.S.–Venezuela relations.
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