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Sunday 22/02/2026

US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate as Trump Plans Meeting with Colombian President

US President Trump and Colombian President Petro meeting
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • US President Donald Trump plans to meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House soon, amid tensions over drug trafficking and oil control.
  • Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, was seized by US forces in a controversial raid, leading to over 100 reported deaths.
  • Delcy Rodríguez was appointed interim president of Venezuela following Maduro's capture, and she has expressed both defiance and willingness to cooperate with the US.
  • The US aims to control Venezuelan oil sales, with plans to manage future crude production and sales globally.
  • The operation has sparked political division in the US, with Republicans supporting it as law enforcement and Democrats criticizing it as an illegal act of war.

In a series of dramatic developments, US President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House, amid escalating tensions in the region. This announcement follows a controversial US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was taken to New York to face charges of narco-terrorism.

Operation Absolute Resolve: A Controversial Raid

The US operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved a pre-dawn raid by special forces in Caracas, leading to Maduro's capture. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that over 100 people were killed during the operation, a figure significantly higher than initial reports. The raid has drawn sharp criticism and sparked protests across Colombia, as citizens rallied to defend their national sovereignty.

Petro's Response and US-Colombia Relations

In response to the US actions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has warned of potential military retaliation if the US targets Colombia. Despite this, Trump described his conversation with Petro as a "Great Honor," indicating plans for a future meeting to discuss ongoing disagreements, particularly concerning the Colombian drug trade and oil reserves.

Interim Leadership in Venezuela

Following Maduro's capture, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president. Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, has expressed both defiance and a willingness to cooperate with the US. She condemned the US raid as an "illegal kidnapping" but also suggested openness to energy relations that could benefit both nations.

Political Reactions and Oil Control

The US has asserted control over Venezuelan oil sales, with plans to manage future crude production and sales globally. This move has deepened political divides within the US, with Republicans supporting the operation as a necessary law enforcement action, while Democrats criticize it as an illegal act of war that could destabilize Venezuela further.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The capture of Nicolás Maduro and the subsequent political maneuvers mark a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations. As Trump prepares to meet with Petro, the focus will likely be on addressing drug trafficking and oil control, both critical issues for regional stability. The US's aggressive stance on Venezuelan oil could lead to further geopolitical tensions, particularly with countries that have vested interests in Venezuela's vast reserves.

Domestically, the operation has highlighted divisions within the US political landscape, with potential implications for future foreign policy decisions. The legality and long-term impact of such unilateral actions remain contentious, potentially prompting further debate over presidential powers and international law. As Delcy Rodríguez navigates her interim presidency, her actions will be closely watched for signs of cooperation or conflict with the US, shaping the future of Venezuela's political landscape.

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