Has South Korea Prepared to Evacuate Nationals from Venezuela?
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Synopsis
In light of escalating tensions in Venezuela, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered officials to safeguard its citizens and prepare for potential evacuations. This comes after US military strikes raised concerns for South Koreans living abroad. What measures are being taken to ensure their safety?
Key Takeaways
- Emergency Response: South Korea is taking swift action to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
- US Military Involvement: Recent US military actions have heightened concerns for South Koreans in Venezuela.
- Task Force Established: A dedicated team has been formed to protect overseas nationals.
- Ongoing Monitoring: The situation is being continuously assessed by the South Korean foreign ministry.
- No Casualties Reported: Currently, all South Koreans in Venezuela are safe, according to reports.
Seoul, January 3 (NationPress) - The President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, has directed government officials to prioritize the safety of South Korean citizens residing in Venezuela. He also mandated the preparation of evacuation strategies should the situation escalate. This directive follows a military operation in the South American nation, acknowledged by US President Donald Trump, as part of a broader initiative against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
According to a spokesperson from Cheong Wa Dae, “President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to protect South Korean nationals in Venezuela. He has called for detailed evacuation plans that can be implemented promptly if conditions deteriorate further.”
The South Korean foreign ministry is set to hold an emergency meeting later today to evaluate the circumstances and develop appropriate response strategies, as indicated by the spokesperson.
Currently, approximately 70 South Korean nationals are in Venezuela, with around 50 in the capital, Caracas, where US military actions have been reported. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties among South Koreans, as per Yonhap news agency.
In response to the recent military strikes, the ministry has established a task force dedicated to safeguarding its citizens abroad and is collaborating with its diplomatic mission in Venezuela to ensure their well-being.
Trump revealed that the United States has executed a significant military strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Maduro, who faces charges of narco-terrorism in the US.
On his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump stated, “The United States has successfully executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who, along with his spouse, has been apprehended and removed from the Country.” He noted that this operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement and further information will be shared during a press conference at 11 a.m. (local time) at Mar-a-Lago.
Point of View
The safety of our citizens abroad must always remain a top priority. The government's swift actions reflect a commitment to protecting South Koreans in volatile regions. As tensions rise globally, the focus should be on diplomatic solutions and ensuring a robust response strategy for our nationals.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted South Korea to prepare evacuation plans?
The directive came following US military strikes against Venezuela, which raised concerns for the safety of South Korean nationals in the region.
How many South Korean nationals are in Venezuela?
Currently, there are approximately 70 South Korean nationals in Venezuela, with about 50 located in Caracas.
What actions is the South Korean government taking?
The South Korean government is holding emergency meetings and has formed a task force to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
Has there been any reported harm to South Koreans in Venezuela?
As of now, there have been no reported casualties among South Koreans in Venezuela.
What was the nature of the US military action in Venezuela?
The US military executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro.
