Maduro Open to U.S. Talks on Drug Trafficking Amid Reports of CIA Strike

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed openness to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. In a pre-recorded interview aired on state television, Maduro stated, "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." He also indicated Venezuela's readiness for U.S. investment in its oil sector, mentioning companies like Chevron.

The interview was recorded on New Year's Eve, the same day the U.S. military announced strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats. These actions bring the total number of known boat strikes to 35, resulting in at least 115 fatalities, according to figures released by the Trump administration.

When asked about a recent CIA-led drone strike at a Venezuelan docking area reportedly used by drug cartels, Maduro declined to comment, stating, "This could be something we talk about in a few days." The strike, if confirmed, would mark the first known direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil since the boat strikes began, representing a significant escalation in the administration's pressure campaign on Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism in the U.S.

Maduro reiterated his belief that the U.S. aims to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through its months-long pressure campaign, which began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August. He emphasized the need for both nations to "start talking seriously, with data in hand."

The U.S. has justified its recent military actions as necessary escalations to stem the flow of drugs into the United States, asserting that it is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels. The strikes began off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and later expanded to the eastern Pacific Ocean.