Readout of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan’s meeting with Venezuelan interim authorities

Photo By Michael Wimbish | U.S. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command talks with Chargé d’Affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu, upon arrival to Venezuela, Feb. 18, 2026. Donovan visited Venezuela, along with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and the Americas Joseph M. Humire, to meet with his team of Joint Force service members and the Venezuelan interim authorities in Caracas. (Venezuela Affairs Unit photo)  

CARACAS, VENEZUELA

02.18.2026

Courtesy Story

U.S. Southern Command   

The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Chargé d’Affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu, and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and the Americas Joseph M. Humire met with Venezuelan interim authorities in Caracas February 18, 2026.

During the meeting, the leaders reiterated the United States’ commitment to a free, safe and prosperous Venezuela for the Venezuelan people, the United States, and the Western Hemisphere.

Discussions focused on the security environment, steps to ensure the implementation of President Donald Trump’s three-phase plan – particularly the stabilization of Venezuela – and the importance of shared security across the Western Hemisphere.

• Date Taken: 02.18.2026
• Date Posted: 02.18.2026 18:40
• Story ID: 558344
• Location: CARACAS, VE