WILLEMSTAD – The Kingdom of the Netherlands is not involved in the recent U.S. decision to strengthen its military presence in waters near Venezuela. That was the message from Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (VVD) in response to parliamentary questions about the rising tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Brekelmans emphasized that while the United States is “one of the most important partners of the Kingdom in counter-drug operations,” the current deployment of U.S. warships and other assets is strictly an American initiative. “The Kingdom is not involved in this decision. At this moment, there is no reason to alter our regular operations in the region,” he told the Dutch Parliament.
Defense Capabilities Available if Needed
The minister noted, however, that if the situation escalates, military capacity from the Netherlands could be deployed to the Caribbean. Currently, the Kingdom maintains a permanent presence of more than 1,000 defense personnel across the Caribbean territories, focused mainly on maritime operations.
“With this presence, Defense contributes to safety on land, at sea, and in the air. It fulfills its primary task of safeguarding the independence and defending the Kingdom, while also promoting international legal order and supporting civil authorities,” Brekelmans explained.
Alongside the Dutch military, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard—a Kingdom-wide organization—plays a central role. It carries out surveillance, law enforcement, and oversight duties with its fleet of vessels, aircraft, and ground units.
FOL Base Limited to Surveillance Flights
Regarding the Cooperative Security Location (formerly the Forward Operating Location, or FOL) on Curaçao, Brekelmans stressed that its use is bound by treaty agreements.
“The treaty permits flights from Curaçao solely for surveillance, monitoring, and the detection of drug shipments. This consent applies only to unarmed flights,” the minister clarified.
The statement is meant to reassure both the Dutch Parliament and Caribbean communities that the Kingdom remains committed to neutrality in the growing U.S.–Venezuela standoff, even as American naval power in the region intensifies.
