President Donald Trump says he has cancelled a previously planned second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, citing improved cooperation with the US.
The announcement comes nearly a week after Trump ordered a military operation that led to the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now in US custody along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
Speaking shortly after the operation, Trump had warned that further action was likely.
“We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so. … We actually assumed that a second wave would be necessary, but now it’s probably not,” he said at the time.
In a Truth Social post early Friday, Trump said Washington and Caracas were now “working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”
“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,” he added.
Later on Friday, Trump reiterated that view during a meeting with oil executives, while pointing to continued US military presence in the Caribbean in case conditions change.
“I don’t think it’s going to be necessary. We have an armada, a giant armada, like nobody’s ever seen in that part of the world, and it’s stationed off the coast,” Trump said. He added that he currently views Venezuela as an ally and expects that relationship to continue.
Trump also said Venezuela had begun releasing political prisoners as a sign of de escalation. “This is a very important and smart gesture,” he wrote, describing the move as “Seeking Peace.”
Venezuela’s acting government confirmed on Thursday that it had started releasing high profile detainees, including opposition politicians, in an effort to ease tensions.
US officials had previously demanded the release of political prisoners following the military operation, according to a source familiar with briefings to lawmakers.
Despite the easing rhetoric, Trump has not ruled out long term US involvement in Venezuela. When asked by the New York Times how long the US might control the country, he replied, “I would say much longer.”
He has also said his administration plans to expand actions against drug cartels on land, following months of strikes on suspected trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Trump’s remarks came as the Senate advanced a resolution limiting future US military action in Venezuela without congressional approval, with five Republicans joining Democrats in backing the measure.
At the White House meeting, Trump sought to persuade major oil companies to boost Venezuela’s oil production and invest in its energy sector. He claimed that “at least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL,” though industry executives publicly stopped short of making commitments.
“So, if you don’t mind, I’ll ask the press to leave, and we will see what kind of a deal we’re going to make with these geniuses,” Trump said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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