In a remarkable development in relations between Washington and Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced that the Venezuelan interim government had agreed to deliver huge shipments of oil to the United States, at a time when Venezuela is experiencing tension and official mourning following the military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro.
Details of the Venezuelan oil deal
President Trump revealed on his social media platform Truth Social that the current Venezuelan authorities will divert between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States. Trump asserted that these shipments, previously subject to strict sanctions, will be sold at global market prices.
In a move aimed at reassuring the international community and the Venezuelan public, the US president clarified that he would personally manage the financial proceeds from the sale of this oil. He stated, "As President of the United States, I will manage those funds to ensure they are used for the benefit of the people of both Venezuela and the United States," indicating that the goal is to invest these resources in reconstruction and economic support rather than squandering them.
The importance of Venezuelan oil in the economic context
This move is of major strategic importance, as Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. The Venezuelan energy sector has long been a focal point of political conflict and US economic sanctions aimed for years at isolating the Maduro regime. This announcement represents a radical shift in energy flows, reintegrating Venezuelan oil into the US market under direct US oversight, which could impact global oil prices and reshape the energy landscape in the Western Hemisphere.
Official mourning and the repercussions of the American attack
Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez has declared a full week of national mourning to honor the victims of the recent US attack.
The swift military operation resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his immediate transfer to US soil. In a moving televised address, Rodríguez declared, "I have decided to announce seven days of mourning for the young men, women, and men who sacrificed their lives defending Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro," describing the operation as a violation of sovereignty.
Casualty figures and the situation on the ground
Regarding casualties, reports conflicted on the final numbers, but indications pointed to heavy losses. Both Cuba and Venezuela announced the deaths of 55 members of their armed forces during the counterattack. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab stated that dozens of civilians and military personnel were killed.
Field reports and independent sources indicate that the number of civilian casualties may range between 70 and 80, while damage assessments are still ongoing. This high death toll casts a shadow over the political landscape and raises questions about the future of internal stability in Venezuela under the interim government and the influential US presence.
