Overview
- In a pre-taped state TV interview, Nicolás Maduro said Caracas is prepared to negotiate an anti–drug trafficking agreement and welcomes U.S. oil investment similar to Chevron’s current role.
- Maduro declined to confirm or deny U.S. media reports that the CIA carried out a drone strike on a Venezuelan docking area, saying it could be discussed in a few days.
- U.S. officials say the maritime campaign has reached 35 strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific with at least 115 people killed.
- Washington has bolstered regional deployments and seized two fully loaded Venezuelan crude tankers as part of expanded pressure on Maduro’s government.
- Venezuela announced the release of 88 more people detained after 2024 election protests as U.S. outlets report several Americans have been detained, with at least two cases under consideration for wrongful-detention status.