Maduro Announces Willingness to Negotiate Drug‑Trafficking Deal In a pre‑taped state‑TV interview, President Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela is ready to discuss a bilateral agreement to combat drug trafficking, but only if the United States provides verifiable data [1][2]. He linked any potential cooperation to concrete evidence rather than unilateral pressure and reiterated an invitation for U.S. oil firms, such as Chevron, to invest in Venezuelan fields [1][2]. Maduro declined to comment on the recent CIA‑led drone strike, framing the moment as one that should be handled with facts in hand [1][2].

U.S. Conducts First Direct Drone Strike on Venezuelan Soil Two sources familiar with the operation confirmed that the CIA carried out a drone strike at a docking area believed to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels, marking the first known U.S. action on Venezuelan territory [1][2]. The strike follows a broader campaign that began with boat attacks off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and later expanded to the eastern Pacific [1][2]. U.S. officials describe the operation as part of an “armed conflict” against cartels, aiming to stem narcotics flow into the United States [1].

Washington Expands Pressure With Maritime Quarantine and Boat Strikes The White House ordered a maritime quarantine of Venezuelan oil exports, directing U.S. forces to interdict tankers and tighten sanctions on sanctioned vessels in Caribbean waters [1]. Simultaneously, the U.S. military announced strikes against five alleged drug‑smuggling boats, bringing the total known boat strikes to 35 and resulting in at least 115 deaths, including Venezuelan nationals [2]. These actions signal a hardening of U.S. pressure on both Venezuela’s oil trade and its alleged role in the drug trade [1][2].

Maduro Defers Comment on Strike, Signals Future Discussion When asked about the drone strike, Maduro said he could address the incident in a few days, indicating a cautious diplomatic posture while keeping the door open for data‑driven negotiations [1][2]. He reiterated that any talks must be grounded in facts and not coercion, maintaining his stance that U.S. actions aim at regime change and oil access [2]. This measured response underscores Caracas’s strategy of leveraging potential cooperation against continued U.S. pressure [1][2].