Commander of U.S. Southern Command General Francis Donovan, Chargé d’Affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit Ambassador Laura F. Dogu, and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and the Americas Joseph M. Humire conducted what Reuters described as a surprise visit to Venezuela on Feb. 18 for security talks.
“During the meeting, the leaders reiterated the United States’ commitment to a free, safe and prosperous Venezuela for the Venezuelan people, the United States, and the Western Hemisphere,” Southcom said in a press release. “Discussions focused on the security environment, steps to ensure the implementation of President Donald Trump’s three-phase plan—particularly the stabilization of Venezuela—and the importance of shared security across the Western Hemisphere.”
Venezuela’s government said the U.S. military delegation met with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The two sides agreed to work together to combat drug-trafficking, terrorism and migration, it added.
