Andorra Coordinates Repatriation of Citizen from Venezuela Amid US-Led Maduro Capture

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Ministry continues coordinating with the Spanish consulate in Caracas to repatriate the Principality's sole known national in Venezuela, who is in good health and located far from the capital, the primary site of recent disruptions. Officials report no changes to the process, which will advance when conditions allow, and data protection limits further details. The individual does not reside there permanently.

The ministry issued a consular alert on Saturday, advising Andorrans in Venezuela to remain in safe zones, exercise maximum caution, and follow official updates. The emergency line +376 324 292 remains active for support.

Foreign Minister Imma Tor reiterated the government's rejection of the "oppressive" Chavista regime and expressed hope for a peaceful political transition respecting international law, the UN Charter, and democratic principles.

The US operation, led by President Donald Trump, began with early Friday airstrikes on key military targets in Caracas, followed by Navy SEALs detaining President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The couple was flown to New York's Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to face charges including narcoterrorism, cocaine trafficking conspiracy, weapons possession, and explosives. Trump described the action as essential to restoring Venezuelan freedom, warned of a larger follow-up strike if met with resistance, and stated the US would manage the country until a secure handover, with American firms assuming control of the oil industry. The Venezuelan government called it military aggression. No official casualty counts are available, though reports suggest no civilian deaths or infrastructure damage.

Andorra's Venezuelan community—around 67 formally registered, with estimates of 80-100 including dual nationals and others—has responded with mixed emotions, blending relief at Maduro's removal after long anticipation since December with deep uncertainty over remaining regime figures, US intentions, and transition details. Reynaldo Márquez, president of the Association of Venezuelan Residents and Supporters in Andorra (over 50 active members in a group exceeding 100), confirmed no direct impacts on community members or relatives, as operations stayed limited to Caracas outskirts and spared other areas. Initial family calls amid communication blackouts caused alarm, but subsequent checks verified safety.

Márquez highlighted widespread confusion, noting broad desire for Chavismo's end but doubts fueled by Trump's dismissal of opposition leader María Corina Machado, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's support for Vice President Delcy Rodríguez (now directed by the Supreme Court to take power), and tensions between Venezuela's 30-day constitutional election timeline and longer oil sector rebuilding. Many view the intervention as a desperate but necessary step, though not all endorse foreign incursion, and the current government persists, leaving the transitional path unclear. The group prioritizes family well-being over celebration, stressing caution amid sovereignty and economic concerns.

The association has scheduled a static social gathering for Tuesday, January 6, from 5pm to around 6:30pm at Plaça Príncep Benlloch in Andorra la Vella, anticipating 50-70 attendees to exchange views. Authorities emphasize it is a peaceful, non-protest meeting with no marches or disruptions; permits are secured. No practical effects on Andorrans have surfaced.