“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together…” – President Donald J. Trump

Venezuela has begun releasing a large number of political prisoners in what Caracas and Washington describe as a gesture aimed at “seeking peace,” a move that U.S. President Donald J. Trump says has prompted him to cancel a planned second wave of military attacks.

In a social-media post Friday morning, Trump said the prisoner releases represent “a very important and smart gesture” and signal growing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in economic and energy sectors. “The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together…” Trump wrote, adding that Caracas’ decision has removed the need for further military escalation.

The releases, which began Thursday, include prominent Venezuelan opposition figures, activists and several foreign nationals, according to U.S. and Venezuelan officials. Spanish authorities confirmed the release of five of their citizens, and opposition leaders have welcomed the development. Rights groups estimate hundreds remain in detention nationally.

The action comes days after a dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown to the United States to face federal drug-trafficking charges. In the aftermath, interim leader Delcy Rodríguez — who has assumed authority in Caracas — has pursued a series of steps toward rapprochement with Washington.

Trump said the prisoner releases and other signs of cooperation have opened the door to broader engagement. He is scheduled to meet with major oil executives at the White House later Friday to discuss potential investment and modernization of Venezuela’s vast oil and gas infrastructure, a key interest for U.S. energy companies