US President Donald Trump Cancels 'Second Wave of Attacks' on Venezuela

In a significant development in US-Venezuela relations, US President Donald Trump has canceled the anticipated second wave of attacks on Venezuela. The decision comes in response to Caracas releasing a considerable number of political prisoners, a move the President described as a sign of seeking peace.

Background and Context

The cancellation of attacks follows the controversial US military intervention that saw the removal of the Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro. The operation has sparked international debate, with critics questioning the US's motivations and legality of the intervention. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody on charges of narco-trafficking and weapons offenses, which Maduro has denied.

Key Developments

Trump's announcement of the cancellation was made on his social media platform, Truth Social. In the post, he emphasized the newfound cooperation between the US and Venezuela, focusing on the rebuilding of the South American country’s energy infrastructure.

Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of 'Seeking Peace.' This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure, Trump wrote.

Despite the cancellation, Trump indicated that American ships would remain in the region for safety and security purposes.

Reactions and Implications

The move has been met with a variety of reactions. Venezuelan exiles celebrated the removal of Maduro, expressing hope for the recovery of political and civil freedoms. However, critics have raised concerns over the US's intentions, with some accusing the US of exploiting Venezuela's oil wealth.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the Trump administration’s actions as both unlawful and unwise. On the other hand, Fox News commentator Gregg Jarrett defended Trump's actions as legal and constitutional.

Trump's focus on Venezuela's oil industry has also drawn significant attention. The President announced plans for major oil corporations to invest at least US$100 billion in Venezuela. However, analysts cautioned that revitalizing Venezuela’s oil industry would be a monumental task requiring significant time and investment.

Current Status

The situation remains fluid, with the US demanding that Venezuela sever economic ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba. Trump has also issued warnings to Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, urging her cooperation.

Despite the controversies and challenges ahead, the release of political prisoners and the cancellation of further military actions may signal a new chapter in US-Venezuela relations. As Trump puts it, the US and Venezuela are working well together, marking a notable shift from the past animosities.