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Trump Announces Venezuela Prisoner Releases and Halts Second Wave of Strikes

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U.S. raid captures Maduro, prompting Caracas to free detainees The U.S. military operation that seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in early January led Caracas to announce the release of a “significant number” of opposition figures, activists and journalists, including Enrique Márquez, Biagio Pilieri and opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa [4][6]. The releases were framed by the interim government as a peace gesture, while U.S. officials described them as a response to American demands for political‑prisoner freedom [4][5]. Venezuelan authorities continue to assert they do not hold anyone for political reasons, a claim contradicted by U.S. and opposition statements [3].

Trump cancels second wave of attacks, cites cooperation on energy President Trump announced on Truth Social that the planned second wave of strikes against Venezuela was being called off because Caracas was cooperating on rebuilding its oil and gas infrastructure [1][2][4][5]. He added that U.S. naval vessels would stay in the region “for safety and security” while diplomatic engagement continued [1][2]. The administration also publicized a prospective $100 billion investment package for Venezuelan energy projects and scheduled meetings with major oil executives [2][3].

Prisoner releases include foreign nationals and remain partially undocumented Venezuelan officials said the Thursday releases covered foreign nationals, among them five Spanish citizens who were flown home with embassy assistance [6][1]. Opposition groups confirmed the freedom of several high‑profile detainees but noted that a complete list had not yet been published, warning against false expectations [6]. Estimates of the total number released vary, with some reports describing the effort as “in a BIG WAY” while others stress that the exact count remains unclear [1][2].

U.S. travel advisory stays at Level 4 despite diplomatic overtures The State Department warned American citizens and lawful permanent residents to leave Venezuela immediately, maintaining a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory because of a “dangerous security environment” [1]. The warning persists even as the administration highlights cooperation on energy reconstruction and the cessation of further strikes [1].

Congressional and regional leaders react to the evolving crisis The Senate advanced a War Powers Resolution to increase congressional oversight of any future military action in Venezuela, with bipartisan support indicating lingering concerns over executive authority [5][6]. Meanwhile, Brazil’s President Lula and other regional heads expressed support for dialogue and welcomed the prisoner releases, underscoring a preference for multilateral solutions over further U.S. intervention [6].

Sources (6 articles)

Timeline

Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. forces launch Operation Absolute, a maritime raid that captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores; the assault kills at least 24 Venezuelan security officers and marks the first direct U.S. attempt to depose a sitting Latin American leader in decades. [4][5][6]

Jan 3, 2026 – At a press conference, President Donald Trump warns, “We could do a second, larger attack if we need to,” signalling that the United States stands ready to intensify military pressure on Caracas after the raid. [4][5][6]

Jan 8, 2026 – The interim Venezuelan government announces the release of its first batch of political prisoners, including opposition figure Enrique Márquez and journalist Biagio Pilieri; tearful reunions spread on social media, and officials describe the move as a “peace gesture” toward national unity. [2]

Jan 8, 2026 – Spain’s foreign ministry confirms the freedom and repatriation of five Spanish citizens detained in Venezuela, highlighting the international dimension of the prisoner‑release effort. [2]

Jan 8, 2026 – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula holds calls with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Carney, expressing support for multilateral dialogue and welcoming the recent releases. [2]

Jan 8, 2026 – The U.S. Senate advances a War Powers Resolution aimed at curbing future presidential authority to conduct armed operations in Venezuela; five Republican senators join Democrats, setting the stage for a congressional showdown. [2][4]

Jan 9, 2026 – President Trump posts on Truth Social that the planned second wave of strikes against Venezuela is canceled because Caracas is cooperating on rebuilding oil and gas infrastructure; he orders U.S. naval vessels to remain on station for safety. [4][5][6]

Jan 9, 2026 – Trump calls the prisoner releases a “very important and smart gesture,” linking the humanitarian step directly to his decision to halt further attacks. [4][5][6]

Jan 9, 2026 – Trump pledges a potential $100 billion investment in Venezuela’s energy sector and says he will meet with major oil executives, indicating a shift from kinetic to economic engagement. [5][6]

Jan 9, 2026 – Trump announces he will meet opposition leader María Corina Machado in Washington next week, while noting she “doesn’t have the broad support and respect to lead.” [1][5]

Jan 9, 2026 – In a Truth Social post, Trump credits cooperation on oil‑gas rebuilding for making the second wave unnecessary and notes that Maduro and his wife are now in U.S. custody. [1]

Jan 9, 2026 – U.S. officials press the interim Venezuelan government to free additional political prisoners, framing the releases as a condition for continued U.S. engagement. [1]

Jan 9, 2026 – The administration maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for U.S. citizens in Venezuela and urges Americans to leave immediately because of a deteriorating security environment. [3]

Jan 9, 2026 – The State Department declines to confirm any contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin after seizing a Russian‑flagged tanker in the Atlantic, noting the vessel carried no oil at the time of capture. [2]

Jan 11, 2026 – Trump posts that Venezuela “has started releasing political prisoners in a BIG WAY,” portraying the move as a decisive step toward a post‑Maduro era and reinforcing the narrative of U.S.–Venezuelan cooperation. [3]

Jan 11, 2026 – The White House reiterates that U.S. cooperation with Caracas includes a large‑scale rebuild of oil and gas infrastructure, signaling a long‑term strategic partnership despite recent hostilities. [3]

Jan 11, 2026 – The State Department confirms the Level 4 travel advisory will remain in place as long as security risks persist, underscoring ongoing concerns for American citizens in Venezuela. [3]

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