Trump reveals he has cancelled ‘beforehand anticipated second wave of assaults’ on Venezuela after launch of political prisoners from brutal jail
- This story is developing, more to follow
Donald Trump has revealed he has cancelled a ‘previously expected second wave of attacks’ against Venezuela, following the release of political prisoners from the country’s jails.
Trump took to Truth Social to praise Venezuela’s actions, following last Saturday’s unprecedented incursion into the country that saw American forces kidnap leader Nicola Maduro and his wife.
Trump said: ‘The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.
‘Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes’.
Overnight, the Venezuelan government announced it had begun releasing detainees considered political prisoners in what officials described as a gesture of goodwill.
Their release has long been a demand of the US. Spain‘s foreign ministry confirmed that five of its citizens had been released, among them being prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel.
Jorge Rodríguez , the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and the brother of its interim president Delcy Rodríguez said the interim government was releasing them in the interest of ‘national unity and peaceful coexistence’.
Up to 80 prisoners are believed to be held at the infamous El Helicoide prison, which Trump announced, following Maduro’s capture, would be closed.
Donald Trump (pictured) has revealed he has cancelled a ‘previously expected second wave of attacks’ against Venezuela
Relatives of political prisoners wait outside El Helicoide prison in Caracas, Venezuela, January 8 2026
The prison is notorious for being the home of political opponents to the government, with human rights groups claiming they were electrocuted and beaten by guards.
But Venezuelan human rights group Provea warned that the expected closure of El Helicoide’s should not be used to deflect attention from the other prisons still running across the country.
Trump also claimed that ‘at least 100 billion dollars’ will be invested in the country by oil firms, many of whom he is set to meet in the White House today.
More to follow.
