Maduro Reaches Out to Trump After US Strike on Suspected Drug Boat

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Caracas — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sent a letter to Donald Trump days after a US military strike destroyed a boat Washington alleged was carrying drugs, killing 11 Venezuelans. The move marks a rare diplomatic outreach as tensions between Caracas and Washington continue to escalate.

The letter, dated September 6 and confirmed by US officials, was shared publicly by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. In it, Maduro rejected US accusations of drug trafficking, labeling them “false narratives spread by global media.” He proposed opening a direct dialogue with Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, to prevent further escalation.

The White House claims the vessel targeted was part of a drug-smuggling network linked to the Venezuelan government. Washington has long accused Maduro of collaborating with international cartels, and in August doubled its bounty for his arrest to $50 million.

US officials say the latest operations, which also destroyed several speedboats in recent weeks, are intended to disrupt cocaine shipments into North America. However, critics note that Washington has not released evidence proving those killed were criminals.

Maduro insists Venezuela is “free of drug production” and says his government is sharing “compelling data” with the US to back this claim.

“I respectfully invite you, President, to build peace through dialogue and mutual understanding across the Americas,” Maduro wrote.

In parallel, Caracas has staged large-scale military exercises, deployed Russian-made fighter jets, and claimed to have mobilized millions of militiamen. Venezuelan officials argue that Washington’s actions are less about counter-narcotics and more about regime change.

Trump declined to confirm receiving the letter, saying only: “We’ll see what happens with Venezuela.”

Grenell, who has held prior meetings with Maduro to negotiate the release of detained US citizens, has signaled optimism. On Tuesday, he stressed that Washington and Caracas “can still reach an agreement” to avoid open conflict.

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