WILLEMSTAD — The ongoing political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to pose a direct security risk for Curaçao and the wider Caribbean region, according to the 2026 annual plan of the Coast Guard for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean.
The Coast Guard identifies Venezuela’s instability as a major factor influencing maritime security in the coming year, citing risks ranging from irregular migration to drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and broader regional destabilization. The ABC islands remain particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the Venezuelan coast.
The plan also notes rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, warning that escalation in the Caribbean could have direct implications for safety and operational readiness around the Leeward Islands. The Coast Guard says it will continue to closely monitor developments and remain prepared to adjust its deployment accordingly.