US President Donald Trump announced on Friday, January 9, 2026, that he has 'cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks' on Venezuela. This decision came as Venezuela's interim government began releasing a significant number of political prisoners, a move Trump described as a 'very important and smart gesture' and a 'sign of Seeking Peace'. The releases included both Venezuelan nationals and foreign citizens, with some already traveling to their home countries. This gesture follows a major US military operation on January 3, 2026, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve', which resulted in the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. Maduro was subsequently flown to New York to face federal narcotics charges. In the wake of Maduro's capture, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president. Trump attributed the cancellation of further strikes to improved cooperation between the United States and Venezuela, particularly concerning the rebuilding and modernization of Venezuela's oil and gas infrastructure. He also spoke of 'at least $100 Billion' in potential investments from 'BIG OIL' companies, with meetings planned at the White House. Despite calling off the planned follow-up strikes, Trump stated that US military units and ships would remain in place near the Venezuelan Caribbean coast for safety and security purposes. Additionally, Trump indicated that he had given orders to close El Helicoide, a notorious Venezuelan detention center. The events mark a significant and rapid shift in US-Venezuela relations, moving from direct military action and sanctions to a potential de-escalation driven by perceived cooperation and economic opportunities.