Trump Cancels Additional Military Strikes in Venezuela

President Donald Trump has decided to call off a “second wave of attacks” in Venezuela, highlighting the nation’s cooperation following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace,’” Trump shared on Truth Social Friday morning. “This is a very important and smart gesture.”

He added, “The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially in rebuilding their oil and gas infrastructure in a much bigger and more modern way,” mentioning an investment of at least $100 billion by major oil companies.

In the early hours of Saturday, U.S. forces successfully carried out an operation in Caracas, where they extracted Maduro and his wife from a steel-enforced shelter amidst airstrikes targeting various locations, effectively stunning the capital.

During a Saturday briefing, Trump stated his administration would oversee Venezuela until a proper transfer of power could be orchestrated. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in talks with remaining government officials, including Maduro’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, who has now taken on the role of interim president.

Trump explained that a more extensive second attack had initially been planned but may not be necessary following the success of the first operation.

“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks, which looks like it will not be needed; however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes,” Trump mentioned.

For months, the Trump administration has been bolstering its military presence near Venezuela, with naval fleets, fighter jets, and thousands of personnel positioned in the area.

According to the Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal, as of December 29th, there were 863 political prisoners in custody in Venezuela.

Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly and brother to Delcy Rodríguez, indicated that a “significant number” of prisoners had been released, though it’s unclear how many. Among them was Biago Pilieri, affiliated with opposition leader María Corina Machado’s campaign, and Enrique Márquez, another 2024 presidential candidate, who was seen on video embracing Pilieri post-release.

Additionally, Spain reported the release of five of its citizens who had been detained on charges of espionage, which the Spanish government denied.

Later that evening, Maduro arrived in New York, where he faces charges of narcoterrorism. The U.S. indicted Maduro and several members of his regime in 2020, claiming they led the Cartel of the Suns and flooded countries with cocaine.

The War Department has initiated military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking routes since September, sinking at least 35 vessels in the process.

During the presidency of Hugo Chavez, Venezuela nationalized its oil production, pushing out American companies, leading to the Trump administration seizing four oil tankers near the country.

Trump also mentioned he would meet with U.S. oil executives at the White House on Friday.

The fall of Maduro has prompted jubilant celebrations among many Venezuelans, particularly those who escaped the nation under socialism.