Trump aborts second Venezuela attack as Maduro releases political prisoners

President Donald Trump on Friday cancelled a planned second wave of attacks on Venezuela after the Maduro government began releasing political prisoners, signaling what Trump called 'Seeking Peace.' The US President had been preparing to meet oil corporations he claims will invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela when he announced the cancellation.

Trump made clear he remains ready to use force again to achieve US objectives in Venezuela, which he has vowed to force into enriching American oil companies. The announcement came as US forces seized another tanker near Venezuela on Friday, enforcing an oil embargo that establishes Washington as the 'undisputed power' over Venezuela's key export.

This marks the second time Trump has threatened military action against Venezuela. In 2020, he authorized strikes that were ultimately not executed. Venezuelan opposition sources confirm that Maduro's government has released approximately 200 political prisoners since December 2025, though details remain unclear. The US Treasury Department has not specified which oil corporations are involved in the proposed $100 billion investment plan.

Venezuela's oil exports currently stand at 800,000 barrels per day, down from 3.5 million before US sanctions began in 2017. The embargo has cost Venezuela an estimated $200 billion in lost revenue. Trump's approach represents a shift from direct military confrontation to economic pressure combined with selective threats of force.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/09/why-i-aborted-second-venezuela-attack-trump/