WILLEMSTAD, THE HAGUE - Concerns in Curaçao about escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela are “understandable,” according to Onno Eichelsheim, Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces. He made the remarks during a recording of the College Tour podcast hosted by Twan Huys with students from Leiden University.

“More military power than needed for drug enforcement”

Eichelsheim acknowledged that the scale of the American military buildup in the region far exceeds what would normally be required for counter-narcotics operations.

“The Americans have built up a fighting force that is more than what you need for drug enforcement. They’re not doing that for nothing,” he said.

The United States has positioned troops and military assets near Venezuela, including a large aircraft carrier stationed just under 100 kilometers from Curaçao. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has repeatedly called for his removal. According to Reuters, Venezuela is preparing for a potential U.S. military intervention.

Risk of misinterpretation by Venezuela

Eichelsheim stressed that the Netherlands maintains “very good” diplomatic relations with Venezuela and is transparent about the movement of Dutch military forces.

However, he warned that any Dutch military activity can be misinterpreted by Caracas as cooperation with the United States. 

He outlined the worst-case scenario:

A U.S. strike on Venezuela could prompt a Venezuelan response against the Dutch Caribbean islands, if Venezuela views the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of a broader American offensive.

“We have enough capability to protect the islands”

Despite the risks, Eichelsheim emphasized the readiness of the Dutch military.

“We have sufficient capabilities to keep the islands safe if things get out of hand,” he said.

He added that the Netherlands is not alone in the region:

“France and the United Kingdom are partners in that area. We have agreements to act together.”

The Commander also noted that the Netherlands is in ongoing discussions with the United States regarding the situation.

“You can’t rule anything out, but ultimately the Kingdom is the Kingdom. We must protect it — and we will, including there.”

The remarks highlight the delicate geopolitical position of Curaçao and the other Dutch Caribbean islands, located just a short distance from Venezuela and within reach of growing U.S. military operations.