Maduro says Venezuela open to talks with US, remains mum on dock attack

President Nicolas Maduro has stated that Venezuela is open to negotiations over a deal to stop drug trafficking, despite his silence on a rumored CIA-led strike on his nation last week.

In light of Washington’s months-long sanctions and military pressure campaign, Maduro has toned his recent statement more diplomatically toward the US.

More than 80 prisoners are accused of releasing them on Thursday in protest of their disputed victory in the 2024 election, which is the second of these releases in recent days.

In an interview with state TV, Maduro explained the concept of a dialogue with the US on drug trafficking, oil, and migration, saying, “Wherever they want and whenever they want.”

He emphasized that both countries should “start talking seriously, with data in hand.”

We’ve told a lot of their representatives that the US government is prepared to discuss an agreement to stop drug trafficking, he said.

Despite Washington’s months-long sanctions and military exercises, Maduro has refuted his claims that the US is attempting to overthrow his government and access Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Venezuela is ready for US investment, he continued, referring to Chevron, the only major oil company that exports Venezuelan crude to the US, if they want it.

Ramonet asked Maduro directly if he had proof or refuted a US attack on Venezuelan soil, and he responded, “This could be something we talk about in a few days.”

A docking facility attack by US soil that allegedly targeted drug boats has not been confirmed by Maduro to date.

In what rights groups have called alleged drug smuggling boats originating from Venezuela extrajudicial killings, the US has been conducting numerous strikes for months. Additionally, Venezuela’s coast is blocked by the Trump administration’s decision to allow oil tankers that are under sanctions to enter and leave.

In the first known attack on Venezuelan territory by the US campaign, Trump announced earlier this week a strike on a docking area for alleged Venezuelan drug boats.

Trump has disputed the claim that the attack was a CIA operation or that it took place, blaming it as “along the shore” in the media.

He told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, “There was a major explosion in the dock area where they loaded the boats up with drugs.”

“We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area,” the implementation area, where they implement, is where. And that has vanished.

The US president has repeatedly threatened ground attacks on regional drug cartels, calling them “narcoterrorists” in recent weeks. He asserted that Maduro is the head of a drug-fuelled organization that aims to destabilize the US.

Regional experts have pointed out that Venezuela is not suspected of being involved in the country’s illicit fentanyl trade, which is arguably responsible for the US’s highest number of overdose deaths. Trump has referred to the drug as a “weapon of mass destruction.”

According to Maduro, the Trump administration’s strategy makes it “clear” that the US “seeks to impose themselves” on Venezuela through “threats, intimidation, and force.”

At least five people were killed when the US military struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats on New Year’s Eve, according to Maduro’s interview, which was recorded on the same day.

According to the Trump administration’s announcements, the number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific has increased to 35, and there have also been at least 115 fatalities.