Maduro (File photo)
The United States on Saturday launched coordinated attacks on civilian and military installations across several Venezuelan states, with US President Donald Trump claiming that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured in what he called a “large-scale” American strike.However, this came just as Maduro had struck a markedly conciliatory tone towards Washington on New Year. He had signalled openness to US oil investments and cooperation on drug trafficking despite long-running tensions between the two countries.In a New Year’s Day interview broadcast on state television, Maduro said Venezuela was ready for ‘serious talks’ with the United States. In remarks published by Mexico’s La Jornada, he said Caracas would welcome investments from US companies such as Chevron and work with Washington to combat drug trafficking. “We must start to speak seriously, with the facts in hand,” he had said, as quoted by Reuters.”If they want to speak seriously about an agreement to battle drug trafficking, we are ready…If they want Venezuela’s oil, Venezuela is ready to accept US investments like those of Chevron, when, where and how they want to make them,” Maduro added to his speech, just two days ago.Also read: Venezuela govt reacts after US attack — what we know so farThe outreach came even as US pressure on Venezuela intensified, including sweeping sanctions and an expanded military presence in the region. Trump, earlier, had also announced a strike on a Venezuelan drug-loading dock, though details were not provided. While Maduro did not confirm the attack at the time, he said Venezuela’s defence systems were prepared to protect the country’s peace and territory. Meanwhile on Saturday, Trump said American forces had carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and claimed that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.Also read: President Maduro captured by US Delta Force; special unit’s role in al-Baghdadi killingTrump said the operation was conducted alongside US law enforcement agencies and described it as a “brilliant operation.” He added that more details would be released and announced a news conference at 11 am at Mar-a-Lago.US sanctions have significantly curbed Venezuela’s oil exports, cutting shipments by about half, even as Chevron continues limited operations under a special US licence. The bolivar has lost 83 per cent of its value over 2025, deepening economic hardship, even as Venezuela’s defaulted international bonds have rallied amid investor speculation over political change.
