WILLEMSTAD – The new Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Harold Liebregs, has issued a stark warning about the security of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. In his first major remarks since taking office, Liebregs cautioned that the islands are dangerously exposed to potential aggression from neighboring Venezuela and that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is not adequately prepared to defend them in the event of a large-scale attack.

A Direct Threat in the Region

According to Liebregs, Venezuela has the capability to inflict serious damage on the islands with relatively limited means. “They can strike Aruba with artillery,” he said, emphasizing that it would not take significant resources for Caracas to seize control if it ever chose to do so. His comments underline the fragile balance of security in the southern Caribbean, a region often overlooked in broader European defense debates.

The naval commander expressed concern that the threat from close by is being underestimated. “While much of the political and media attention is focused on global powers such as Russia and China, the reality is that a crisis could erupt right on the Kingdom’s doorstep,” he noted.

Limited Defenses

Although the Royal Netherlands Navy maintains a presence in the Caribbean, its current assets are designed primarily for surveillance, counter-narcotics, and limited defense tasks. Liebregs admitted that these resources would be inadequate in the face of a serious military offensive. Shortages in ships, aircraft, equipment, and personnel make it impossible to guarantee the islands’ protection under current conditions.

This assessment comes at a time when regional tensions are heightened. Venezuela’s political and economic instability, combined with its military posture, has raised concerns among defense analysts about the potential for miscalculation or confrontation.

Call for Urgent Action

Liebregs has called on the Dutch government in The Hague to act swiftly. He urged investment in additional patrol vessels, stronger air support, and modern equipment to strengthen deterrence. Beyond military resources, he stressed the importance of diplomacy in making clear to Venezuela that any act of aggression against the ABC islands would not be tolerated.

The commander also advocated for closer cooperation with allies in the Caribbean and the Americas. Joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense coordination, he argued, would significantly boost readiness and provide reassurance to the populations of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Protecting the People and the Kingdom

“The residents of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao must be able to feel safe,” Liebregs stated firmly. “Without a credible defense, not only is the territorial integrity of the islands at risk, but so too is the confidence of the population in the protection promised by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”

His remarks are expected to fuel renewed debate in Dutch Parliament over the role and responsibilities of the Kingdom in defending its Caribbean territories. For the ABC islands, the message is clear: security challenges are no longer abstract global concerns but immediate threats close to home.