Trump cancels new strikes on Venezuela after prisoner releases

Friday 09 January 2026 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Trump cancels new strikes on Venezuela after prisoner releases

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had called off a second wave of military strikes against Venezuela, citing the interim government's cooperation, particularly the release of political prisoners.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump revealed that major oil companies plan to invest at least $100 billion in rebuilding the country's aging oil and gas infrastructure. He added that he would meet with industry leaders at the White House later that day. Even with the strikes halted, Trump stressed that all U.S. naval vessels would remain in position to ensure safety and security.

The decision came a day after Venezuela began freeing a significant number of political detainees, including prominent opposition figures like former presidential candidate Enrique Márquez, Biagio Pilieri, security analyst Rocío San Miguel, and five Spanish nationals. These releases mark the first clear signs of collaboration since U.S. special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.

Trump suggested that U.S. involvement in Venezuela could extend over several years. Earlier this week, he told reporters that stabilizing the nation might take far longer than a single year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-phase plan focused on stabilization, reconciliation through prisoner releases, and an eventual shift to new governance.

The White House meeting was set to include executives from Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips, though industry sources noted the companies' caution about immediate investment pledges. Oil leaders have urged the administration for security guarantees and clear legal frameworks before committing the billions needed to revive Venezuela's dilapidated infrastructure.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, is expected in Washington next week for potential talks with Trump. He confirmed on Fox News his anticipation for the meeting, despite past comments questioning her support base to lead Venezuela.

Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president, was sworn in as interim president following the January 3 operation. She has publicly insisted that the Venezuelan government, not the United States, holds control, even as the Trump administration asserts authority over Venezuelan oil sales.