Trump cancels ‘second wave’ of attacks on Venezuela

The US president has said Washington and Caracas are working well together, but he will keep American ships in the region

US President Donald Trump has cancelled his “second wave of attacks” on Venezuela, saying Washington and Caracas were cooperating now, including on the rebuilding of the South American country’s energy infrastructure.

Last Saturday, American commandos conducted a raid on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

Trump subsequently demanded “total access” to the South American nation’s oil and said that Washington would “run” the country until a “proper transition” of power took place there. Russia along with many other BRICS and Global South nations has strongly condemned the US for its actions.

In his post on Truth Social, Trump said “I have canceled 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.”

The US president said at least $100 billion will be invested in Venezuela by “Big Oil,” noting that he would meet with representatives of US oil giants at the White House later on Friday.

Trump noted Venezuela’s release of “large numbers of political prisoners,” which he called “a very important and smart gesture.”

Late on Tuesday, Caracas began releasing a number of high-profile prisoners, including opposition politicians, in what its government has called a gesture “to seek peace.”

Among the first to be released were Enrique Marquez, a former presidential candidate, and Biagio Pilieri, a businessman and former Venezuelan lawmaker, who were being held at a detention facility in the capital known as El Helicoide.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares later confirmed that five Spanish prisoners had been released and were on a flight back to their home country.