Overview
- In a state TV interview recorded on Dec. 31, Nicolás Maduro declined to confirm U.S. claims of an attack on a Venezuelan port site, saying the topic could be discussed in coming days.
- Maduro said he is ready for a serious counter‑narcotics agreement and for U.S. oil investment, including with Chevron, while disputing allegations of links to drug trafficking.
- U.S. Southern Command reported lethal strikes on multiple suspected smuggling vessels on Dec. 31, and administration figures now cite about 35 maritime attacks and at least 115 deaths in 2025.
- The New York Times and CNN report that Venezuelan authorities have detained at least five U.S. citizens since autumn, a move U.S. officials fear could be used for negotiating leverage.
- Venezuela received a special envoy from China in Caracas, signaling external support, as Washington tightens oil‑related measures including sanctions and blocking of designated tankers.