Top Headlines

Feeds

Trump Announces End to Planned Venezuela Strikes After Prisoner Releases and Oil‑Gas Cooperation

Updated (6 articles)

Trump Calls Off Second Wave of Attacks Following Prisoner Releases On January 9, President Trump announced via Truth Social that the U.S. would not proceed with a second wave of strikes against Venezuela, citing the interim government’s cooperation on oil‑gas reconstruction and the recent release of political prisoners [2][3][4][5]. He ordered U.S. naval vessels to remain in the area for safety while emphasizing a shift from military pressure to diplomatic engagement [2][3]. The cancellation follows a January 3 press conference where Trump warned a larger attack could be considered if needed [2][4].

Venezuelan Authorities Free Hundreds of Detainees in Peace Gesture Late Thursday, January 8, the Caracas government announced the release of a “significant number” of foreign nationals and opposition figures, including Enrique Márquez, Biagio Pilieri, Juan Pablo Guanipa, and five Spanish citizens [6][1][2][3]. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez framed the move as a step toward national unity, while opposition leader María Corina Machado prepared to travel to Washington [6][4]. Exact totals were not disclosed, and the regime continued to deny that it holds political prisoners [3].

U.S. Travel Advisory Remains at Level 4 Amid Security Concerns The State Department warned American citizens and lawful permanent residents to leave Venezuela immediately, maintaining a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory because of a deteriorating security environment [1]. The warning persists despite the prisoner‑release gesture and ongoing diplomatic talks [1]. Officials indicated the advisory will stay in place as long as risks to Americans remain severe [1].

Senate Moves War Powers Resolution Forward as Congressional Oversight Grows In early January, the Senate advanced a War Powers Resolution to limit presidential authority over further military action in Venezuela, with bipartisan support including five Republican votes [5][6]. The measure reflects congressional concern over the recent Operation Absolute raid that killed at least 24 Venezuelan security officers and captured President Nicolás Maduro [5]. Lawmakers anticipate a floor debate on the scope of executive power in the region [5][6].

Trump Highlights $100 Billion Oil‑Gas Investment Pact with Caracas Trump announced plans to meet major oil executives and touted a potential $100 billion investment to rebuild Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure [2][3][4][5]. He described the cooperation as “big, better, and more modern,” linking it directly to the decision to cancel further strikes [1][4]. The U.S. also signaled continued maritime presence while pursuing broader regional security actions against drug cartels [5][6].

Sources

Timeline

Early Jan 2026 – The United States launches Operation Absolute, a military raid that captures President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and kills at least 24 Venezuelan security officers, marking the first direct U.S. assault on Venezuela’s leadership[4].

Jan 3, 2026 – President Trump tells reporters a second, larger attack could be launched if needed, signalling that the U.S. retains the option of further strikes after the raid[4].

Jan 8‑9, 2026 – Brazilian President Lula da Silva holds calls with regional leaders (Colombia’s Petro, Mexico’s Sheinbaum, Canada’s Carney) to condemn U.S. military action and push for multilateral dialogue on Venezuela[2].

Jan 9, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social that the second wave of Venezuela strikes is canceled because Caracas cooperates on rebuilding oil and gas infrastructure and has begun releasing political prisoners, calling the releases a “very important and smart gesture”[4][5].

Jan 9, 2026 – U.S. warships remain in Venezuelan waters for safety while Trump announces a potential $100 billion energy‑sector investment and plans to meet major oil executives later in the week[5].

Jan 9, 2026 – The interim Venezuelan government frees high‑profile detainees—including Enrique Márquez, Biagio Pilieri, and Juan Pablo Guanipa—as a peace gesture, with families sharing tearful reunions on social media[2].

Jan 9, 2026 – Spain confirms that five Spanish citizens are among those released and are being flown home with embassy assistance[2].

Jan 9, 2026 – The U.S. Senate advances a War Powers Resolution to curb future presidential authority over Venezuela, gaining bipartisan support[2].

Jan 9, 2026 – Vice President JD Vance publicly defends his role in planning the operation to depose Maduro, describing the planning as tightly held among senior officials[2].

Jan 9, 2026 – Trump says he will meet opposition leader María Corina Machado next week, indicating a shift toward engaging Venezuela’s political opposition[4].

Jan 9, 2026 – Trump hints at further regional actions, including possible land strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and a potential operation in Colombia, expanding the U.S. security agenda beyond Venezuela[4].

Jan 11, 2026 – Trump posts that Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners “in a BIG WAY,” framing the move as a major step toward a post‑Maduro era[3].

Jan 11, 2026 – Trump reiterates that the second wave of strikes is canceled because of Caracas’s cooperation, again calling the prisoner releases a “very important and smart gesture”[3].

Jan 11, 2026 – The U.S. State Department warns Americans to leave Venezuela immediately and keeps the Level 4 travel advisory in place due to a severe security environment[3].

Mid‑Jan 2026 (planned) – María Corina Machado travels to Washington for a meeting with President Trump, as announced in earlier statements[1].

Mid‑Jan 2026 (planned) – Trump schedules a meeting with major oil executives to discuss the promised $100 billion investment in Venezuela’s energy sector[5].

Social media (3 posts)

External resources (8 links)