‘Seeking peace’: Trump calls off second wave of attacks as Venezuela frees political prisoners

Trump cancels attacks after prisoner releases

US President Donald Trump said Venezuela’s decision to release political prisoners was a “very important and smart gesture”, announcing that Washington had cancelled a previously expected second wave of military attacks and was moving ahead with large-scale energy cooperation with Caracas.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Venezuela was “seeking peace” and confirmed that the US and Venezuela were working closely on rebuilding the country’s oil and gas infrastructure. He said at least $100 billion would be invested by major oil companies, adding that US naval assets would remain in place “for safety and security purposes”.

Trump’s remarks came five days after the United States seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, an unprecedented move that triggered rapid developments on the ground. Shortly afterwards, Venezuelan authorities announced they were releasing an “important number” of detainees in what they described as a unilateral gesture to “consolidate peace”.

Among those freed was former opposition presidential candidate Enrique Márquez, while Spain confirmed the release of five Spanish nationals, including prominent human rights lawyer Rocío San Miguel, who had been accused of terrorism and treason. Opposition leader María Corina Machado welcomed the releases, saying they showed that “injustice will not last forever”.

However, rights groups have urged caution. NGOs estimate Venezuela still holds between 800 and 1,000 political prisoners, most detained after protests following the disputed 2024 election. By late Thursday, only a handful of releases had been independently verified, raising concerns that the move could be partial or conditional.

Activists also point to uncertainty over the future of El Helicoide, a notorious detention centre long accused of torture. While some sections appear to be vacated, monitors say the complex remains operational.

Trump earlier alleged Venezuela was closing a “torture chamber” in Caracas, though no official confirmation has been given.

Families of detainees have gathered outside prisons nationwide, hoping the promised releases materialise. For now, Venezuela’s move is being seen as a tentative opening — one closely watched as US pressure, political uncertainty and economic stakes converge.