Overview
- Maduro avoided confirming or denying President Trump’s claim that U.S. forces destroyed a Venezuelan docking area allegedly used for drug trafficking, saying the issue could be addressed in coming days.
- He said Venezuela is prepared to negotiate anti-narcotics cooperation and to welcome American oil investment, specifically citing Chevron.
- Venezuelan authorities announced the release of 88 people detained after the disputed 2024 election, though those freed remain subject to judicial proceedings.
- U.S. pressure includes a war flotilla in the Caribbean, tighter oil sanctions, and the seizure of at least two vessels carrying Venezuelan crude.
- A UN mission reports intensified repression and NGO Provea estimates about 700 political detainees, as Trump accuses Maduro of running a narcotrafficking network and Maduro rejects the charge.