The US press reported on the Washington-Caracas telephone conversation between President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week.

According to the New York Post , this"high-tension" meeting took place two weeks ago, and the parties discussed Maduro's terms for surrender.

LAST OFFER FROM TRUMP TO MADURO

A source close to the meeting told the New York Post that Trump told Maduro that his wife and son could leave the country safely. However, the US president stipulated that this be done immediately, and Maduro declined the offer because Washington insisted on swift action.

 HE DEMANDED ‘GLOBAL AMNESTY’

Maduro then initially requested a “global amnesty” for himself and his inner circle, but was rejected. Later Maduro and his team offered to retain control of the armed forces and allow free elections in exchange, but this offer was also rejected.

HARSH REACTION FROM TRUMP

According to US media reports from Fox News, the meeting ended quickly after Trump reacted strongly to Maduro's request for clemency. Meanwhile, the Miami Herald reported that the US administration had conveyed the clemency offer to senior Venezuelan officials and that the Maduro government had attempted to schedule a second phone call but received no response.

‘HIS OPTIONS ARE LIMITED, HIS ARMY IS WEAK’

Trump announced on social media that Venezuela’s airspace was “completely closed” but avoided questions about the possibility of a military operation. Trump stated that Maduro has limited options and that his army is in a weak state. US experts emphasized that Maduro and his government officials face the most serious threats they have ever faced. Diplomat Vanessa Neumann stated that much of the Venezuelan army is poorly maintained and equipped with outdated equipment.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Since September, the US has been conducting operations in the Caribbean and international waters against vessels allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela and the region. At least 21 attacks have been carried out in the last three months, and the US has stated that these operations target “drug terrorists.” Activists and human rights experts have described these operations as extrajudicial killings, and the US Congress has launched an investigation. Trump has increased the pressure, announcing that the US may soon launch operations against land-based drug trafficking networks.