In a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had proposed major concessions to ease the strained relations. However, Trump dismissed these overtures with sharp criticism, stating that Maduro’s actions were driven by fear of U.S. retaliation. This comes alongside reports of a new U.S. military strike targeting a drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, which allegedly left survivors onboard. The vessel, described by Trump as a ‘drug-carrying submarine,’ is part of a broader U.S. campaign against narcotics trafficking in the region. Washington has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has deployed significant military assets, including stealth warplanes and naval ships, to combat the issue. Maduro, meanwhile, has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a regime change, a claim that has fueled further tensions. The U.S. has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean since September, targeting at least six vessels, mostly speedboats, allegedly linked to drug smuggling. While the U.S. claims its operations are dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, experts have raised concerns about the legality of summary killings, even if the targets are confirmed drug smugglers. The campaign has also drawn in neighboring countries, with Trinidad and Tobago investigating whether its citizens were killed in a recent strike, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressing concerns about Colombian casualties. Amid these developments, Trump has hinted at expanding U.S. military operations to include land targets, while the head of U.S. Southern Command announced his unexpected retirement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.