Tensions Rise as Venezuela Orders Closure of Chilean Consulates

The government of Nicolás Maduro asked Chile to close its consulates in Caracas and Puerto Ordaz, and starting on January 30, these places officially ceased to operate. This marks the total rupture of relations between the governments of Maduro and Gabriel Boric, president of Chile.

Although Venezuela had already mentioned that they had no diplomatic relations with Chile since August 2024, Chilean authorities had tried to maintain some level of contact to avoid affecting consular assistance for their citizens in Venezuela.

The Chilean Foreign Ministry’s Statement

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile informed that on January 29, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry requested the closure of the Chilean consulates in Caracas and Puerto Ordaz due to the suspension of diplomatic relations. The Chilean government explained that, starting that day, these consulates will remain closed and will not provide services to the public.

The statement added that Chile regrets this situation, as it affects many Chileans in Venezuela and also Venezuelans who needed consular services. The Chilean government assured that it is exploring other ways to provide support to its citizens in the South American country.

Tension Between the Governments of Venezuela and Chile

Relations between Venezuela and Chile had already been strained since last year. President Boric strongly criticized the electoral process in Venezuela on July 28, 2024, after the results from the National Electoral Council, which Boric considered a fraud. As a result, he decided to recall his ambassador from Caracas.

The Investigation into the Murder of Venezuelan Lieutenant Ronald Ojeda

In the last two weeks, tensions between the two countries have escalated even further due to the investigation being conducted by the Chilean Public Prosecutor’s Office into the murder of Venezuelan Lieutenant Ronald Ojeda in Chile. The case involves members of the Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang from Venezuela, and Chilean authorities have confirmed that high-ranking officials from Maduro’s government may be involved in the order to kidnap, torture, and murder Ojeda, who was in Chile as an asylum seeker.