U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, January 9, 2026, that he has canceled a planned second wave of military attacks against Venezuela. The decision follows what he described as significant cooperation from the South American nation, including the release of political prisoners and collaborative efforts to rebuild its critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Prisoner Releases Prompt Diplomatic Shift
In a social media post, Trump stated that Venezuela is "working well" with the United States and is in the process of freeing "large numbers" of political prisoners. This move comes just days after the dramatic capture of former Venezuelan ruler Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026.
While activists had confirmed only 11 releases by Friday, families gathered outside prisons like El Rodeo in Caracas overnight, hoping for more news. Among those freed was Biagio Pilieri, an aide to opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. Five Spanish citizens were also released earlier in the day.
Trump's focus on jailed activists is seen as a nod to Venezuela's political opposition, which had been sidelined as the U.S. engaged with current regime members after Maduro's ouster. The President also revealed plans to meet with Machado the following week.
Oil Markets and Energy Sector in Focus
The announcement had immediate repercussions in global markets. Brent crude futures pared gains, trading at $62.16 a barrel following Trump's statement. His administration is actively pushing U.S. oil executives to assist in rebuilding Venezuela's crippled energy sector, with a meeting scheduled for later that day.
This economic cooperation forms a key pillar of the new, less confrontational approach. The U.S. Coast Guard reportedly boarded another oil tanker in the region on the same Friday, indicating continued vigilance over maritime activity.
Military Posture and Regional Strategy
Despite calling off the strikes, the United States maintains a significant military presence in the region, poised for further action if necessary. The initial operation that captured Maduro was justified in part by the fight against what the U.S. labels "narcoterrorism."
In the weeks leading up to Maduro's capture, U.S. forces had struck more than a dozen boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. President Trump claimed, without providing evidence, that most sea-based drug transit has now been stopped.
The broader regional campaign against drug manufacturing facilities appears set to continue. Trump indicated on Thursday that strikes were being prepared, potentially targeting locations in countries like Colombia and Mexico, though he did not specify exact targets.
The cancellation of further attacks on Venezuela marks a pivotal moment, shifting the U.S. strategy from direct military intervention to a combination of diplomatic pressure and economic cooperation, contingent on continued concessions from Caracas.
