Maduro Signals Openness to Dialogue with US Amid Tensions Over Drug Trafficking and Oil
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed openness to talks with the United States on issues including drug trafficking and oil. In a state television interview, Maduro said Venezuela is ready for dialogue wherever and whenever necessary.
Maduro avoided directly confirming a reported US attack on a docking facility in Venezuela but suggested the matter could be discussed in the coming days. The US has conducted over 30 strikes on vessels suspected of narcotrafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions over the past three months, resulting in more than 110 deaths since the first strike on 2 September. The latest strike killed five people aboard two boats believed to be transporting drugs, according to the US military.
US President Donald Trump claimed a strike on a dock area linked to drug boats caused a major explosion. Reports from CNN and The New York Times cite a CIA drone strike, which, if verified, would mark the first known US operation inside Venezuela.
Maduro also conveyed willingness to hold talks related to migration. Trump has accused Maduro of releasing prisoners and forcing inmates to migrate to the US, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims.
Furthermore, the US has seized oil tankers connected to sanctions against Venezuela and Iran, including a vessel seized on 10 December. Venezuela has condemned these seizure actions as "international piracy," while one additional tanker remains under pursuit.
