In a rapid de-escalation of tensions, President Donald Trump announced early Friday, January 9, the cancellation of a planned “second wave of attacks” against Venezuela. The decision follows a significant diplomatic gesture by Caracas, which began releasing high-profile political prisoners under the banner of “Seeking Peace.” This move marks the first major concession from the interim administration since the U.S. military operation that captured former leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Among those confirmed released are former opposition presidential candidate Enrique Márquez and former National Assembly deputy Biagio Pilieri. The release also included Rocio San Miguel, a prominent human rights attorney, along with five Spanish nationals. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez described the mass release as a unilateral effort to “consolidate peace” and signal a new era of cooperation with Washington.
President Trump, writing on Truth Social at 04:19 ET, praised the move as “very important and smart.” He explicitly linked the military stand-down to a burgeoning economic partnership, specifically regarding Venezuela’s dilapidated energy sector. “The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure,” Trump stated.
The President further revealed that “Big Oil” executives—reportedly including leaders from ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips—are scheduled to meet at the White House today. Trump claimed these corporations are poised to invest “at least $100 Billion” to revitalize Venezuela’s crude production, which holds the world’s largest proven reserves. While the military strikes have been called off, Trump noted that U.S. naval assets will remain in position “for safety and security purposes” as the transition continues.
