politics
January 9, 2026
Trump claims he has cancelled second wave of attacks on Venezuela
US president does not elaborate on alleged plan for fresh strikes but says large naval presence in region will remain

TL;DR
- Donald Trump stated he canceled planned attacks on Venezuela due to cooperation on oil infrastructure and prisoner releases.
- The US president mentioned the US Navy armada would remain in the Caribbean for security.
- A fifth oil tanker, the Olina, was seized by US forces in the Caribbean.
- Trump indicated the US would sell Venezuelan oil and select firms for investment, bypassing direct Venezuelan dealings.
- Venezuela announced the release of an unspecified number of detainees, though human rights groups confirmed fewer.
- The US expects to restore diplomatic missions in both countries.
- Trump plans to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
- Colombia's president stated Trump discussed potential military operations against Colombia.
- Colombia requested US cooperation to combat the National Liberation Army (ELN) along the border.
- Trump mentioned hitting cartels on land in Mexico.
Continue reading the original article