Fri Jan 02 02:51:48 UTC 2026: Summary:
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed a willingness to negotiate a drug trafficking agreement with the United States. This comes amidst heightened tensions, including U.S. military strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and a CIA drone strike on Venezuelan soil targeting a docking area believed to be used by cartels. Maduro also stated Venezuela is open to U.S. investment in its oil sector. He accused the U.S. of seeking to overthrow his government and exploit the country’s oil reserves. The U.S. has defended the attacks as a necessary escalation to combat drug trafficking and President Trump claims the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.
News Article:
Venezuela Signals Openness to Drug Deal with US Amid Rising Tensions
Caracas, Venezuela – January 2, 2026 – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly stated his government’s readiness to negotiate an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking, a move that comes amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. In an interview aired Thursday, Maduro reiterated accusations that the U.S. is attempting to force a regime change and exploit Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The statement follows a series of aggressive actions by the U.S., including military strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and, according to sources, a CIA-led drone strike on a Venezuelan docking area believed to be used by drug cartels. The latter marks the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the boat strikes began.
“The U.S. government knows…that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” Maduro stated. He also indicated Venezuela is open to U.S. investment in its oil sector, referencing Chevron’s current involvement.
The Trump administration has defended the military actions as a necessary escalation in the fight against drug cartels, with President Trump claiming the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with these groups. The strikes have resulted in numerous casualties, including Venezuelan citizens.
When questioned about the CIA drone strike, Maduro remained reserved, stating he would “talk about it in a few days.” This development signals a potentially volatile situation, with the possibility of future negotiations uncertain amid continued military actions.
First Piper 