The head of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) made a surprise visit to Venezuela to meet with the interim government.

“SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan concluded a visit to Venezuela today for productive meetings with Venezuelan interim authorities,” a statement from SOUTHCOM posted on Thursday said. “SOUTHCOM is committed to advancing the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy by working collaboratively with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous future for the hemisphere.”

#SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan concluded a visit to Venezuela today, joining Amb. Laura F. Dogu and @jmhumire for productive meetings with Venezuelan interim authorities. The U.S. is committed to a free, safe and prosperous Venezuela for the Venezuelan people, the… pic.twitter.com/Gkd6vjT3VW

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) February 18, 2026

The US Embassy in Venezuela said Donovan’s visit marked a “historic day.” “He then met with the interim authorities to assess the security situation, ensure the implementation of the [President Donald Trump’s] three-phase plan, and advance the objective of a Venezuela aligned with the United States,” the statement explained.

Reuters described the visit as a surprise.

Early this year, Trump ordered an attack on Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro. After the raid, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez became the interim leader. Trump threatened to take military action in Venezuela again if Rodriguez does not comply with the White House’s demands.