US Held Secret Talks with Venezuelan Minister Cabello Before Maduro Raid

In a surprising development, officials from the Trump administration engaged in discussions with Venezuela’s hardline Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, months prior to a U.S. operation targeting President Nicolas Maduro. These communications have reportedly continued even after the operation, according to individuals familiar with the matter.

Key Takeaways

• The Trump administration held secret discussions with Diosdado Cabello, a key figure in the Venezuelan government, before a U.S. operation aimed at President Nicolas Maduro.
• These communications with Cabello, described as a hardliner, began several months before the operation and have persisted since.
• The revelations suggest a complex and potentially contradictory approach by the U.S. towards the Venezuelan regime.

Secret Diplomacy Unveiled

The revelations indicate a clandestine diplomatic effort by the U.S. government, which publicly maintained a strong stance against the Maduro regime. The timing of these discussions, preceding a significant U.S. operation, raises questions about the administration’s strategy and its engagement with figures previously considered adversaries.

Diosdado Cabello is a prominent and influential figure within Venezuela, often seen as the second most powerful person after President Maduro. His involvement in discussions with U.S. officials suggests a potential willingness on both sides to explore avenues outside of public diplomacy.

Implications of the Communications

The ongoing nature of these communications, even after the U.S. operation, suggests a continued, albeit covert, channel of dialogue. This could imply a multifaceted U.S. policy towards Venezuela, involving both public pressure and private engagement with key regime figures. The specifics of these discussions and their objectives remain unclear, but they point to a complex geopolitical landscape.

These secret talks could have significant implications for regional stability and the ongoing efforts to resolve the Venezuelan crisis. The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions and supported opposition efforts to oust Maduro, making the reported engagement with Cabello a notable departure from its publicly stated policies.