Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro expressed openness to negotiating an agreement with the United States aimed at combating drug trafficking. This announcement came during a pre-recorded interview aired on state television on January 1, 2024. Maduro refrained from commenting on a recent strike conducted by the CIA at a Venezuelan docking area believed to be linked to drug cartels.
In the interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, Maduro asserted that the U.S. has been attempting to destabilize his government and gain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves through a prolonged pressure campaign. He criticized the U.S. for using threats and intimidation, emphasizing the need for both countries to engage in serious dialogue. “What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force,” Maduro stated, urging a cooperative approach with “data in hand.”
He added, “The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.” Furthermore, Maduro indicated that Venezuela is open to U.S. investment in the oil sector, specifically mentioning Chevron Corp. as a partner willing to export Venezuelan crude to the U.S.
The backdrop of these discussions includes a series of military operations by the U.S. aimed at curbing drug trafficking from Venezuela. According to the Trump administration, these operations have resulted in strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats, raising the total number of boat strikes to 35, with at least 115 fatalities reported. Venezuelans are among the casualties in these operations, which began off the Caribbean coast before extending to the eastern Pacific Ocean.
President Donald Trump has characterized these military actions as necessary to combat the influx of drugs into the U.S., asserting that the nation is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. The recent CIA-led drone strike marks the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil and signifies an escalation in pressure on Maduro’s government, which faces charges of narco-terrorism in the U.S.
When questioned about the drone strike, Maduro indicated that he would address the operation in detail in the coming days. The developments reflect ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela as both nations grapple with the complexities of drug trafficking and international relations.