WILLEMSTAD – The recent U.S. military actions against suspected Venezuelan smuggling vessels have raised questions across the region, but the ABC islands are not part of the American operation. That confirmation comes from Walter Hansen, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean.
Hansen stresses that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is entirely uninvolved in Operation Southern Spear, under which U.S. forces have at times directly disabled boats believed to be carrying drugs. “The Kingdom is in no way involved in this operation,” he said. “Because it is a U.S. national mission, we do not receive any operational information about it.”
He also made clear that the mission has no NATO connection. “NATO does not apply worldwide,” Hansen explained. “Article 5 covers Europe and the North Atlantic. The Caribbean is not included.”
All U.S. Activity Takes Place Outside Local Waters
According to Hansen, all American military actions are unfolding outside the territorial waters and airspace of the islands. “Everything that happens is beyond our territorial boundaries,” he said. “That makes it more challenging to know exactly what is taking place.”
At the same time, increased activity in international airspace is noticeable. “The skies are getting busier,” Hansen observed. “That raises the level of complexity for all who manage air safety in the region.”
FOL Curaçao Not Used for U.S. Operations
Hansen emphasized that the Forward Operating Location (FOL) on Curaçao is not supporting Southern Spear. “Flights from the FOL operate under strict agreements, must remain unarmed, and follow clearly defined conditions,” he said. “The U.S. adheres to those rules, and the base has not been used for this mission.”
No Immediate Threat to the Islands
Despite heightened geopolitical tension between the United States and Venezuela, Hansen does not see direct danger for Curaçao, Aruba or Bonaire. “There is currently no acute threat,” he said. “But Defense remains vigilant and alert.”
The Navy’s station ship is patrolling closer to the islands than usual. “The vessel serves as our eyes and ears in the region,” Hansen noted.
Impact on Migration or Smuggling Uncertain
Whether the U.S.’s more aggressive strategy will affect migration patterns or drug smuggling routes is unclear. “It’s difficult to assess,” Hansen said. “Smuggling behaves like a waterbed: pressure in one area often triggers shifts elsewhere.”
He warned against speculation. “We should not try to guess what the U.S. may or may not intend. Our responsibility is to monitor potential consequences for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.”
The Dutch Approach Remains Unchanged
While the U.S. has adopted a confrontational approach at sea, the Netherlands continues to rely on its established operational method. “Our approach has worked effectively for thirty years,” Hansen said. “We intercept, investigate and save lives where necessary.”
He declined to compare the humanitarian outcomes of Dutch and U.S. tactics. “That would lead to speculation, which I want to avoid.”
Clear Information Essential Amid Misinformation
Given the rise in public concern and circulating misinformation, Hansen said transparency is crucial. “There is a lot of disinformation,” he warned. “It is important to emphasize that the ABC islands are not part of this operation and that we are monitoring developments closely.”
Defense authorities say they will continue to keep the islands informed as the situation evolves.