The Venezuelan government did not respond when asked by AFP whether the U.S. officials had met with Rodriguez. Ms. Rodriguez's camp on Thursday began freeing prisoners jailed under Mr. Maduro, saying a "large" number would be released in a gesture of appeasement that Washington took credit for. Oil talksFollowing Mr. Maduro's capture, Mr. Trump vowed to secure U.S. access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The White House said Mr. Trump has signed an emergency order protecting U.S.-held revenues derived from sales of Venezuelan oil, preventing them from being seized by courts or creditors. Experts say Venezuela's oil infrastructure is creaky after years of mismanagement and sanctions.

Source: The Hindu January 11, 2026 15:27 UTC