CARACAS, WASHINGTON – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting accusations that Venezuela is involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

In the letter, Maduro described Trump’s claims as “fake news”, insisting that Venezuela has been taking strong action against narcotics trafficking. “President, I hope that together we can fight this fake news that causes so much upheaval in a relationship that should be historic and peaceful,” Maduro wrote.

Call for Dialogue, Not Conflict

The Venezuelan leader urged Trump to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. “I have publicly, on many occasions, acknowledged the impressive work you are doing to end the wars you inherited in other parts of the world. That is why I support the CELAC declaration of September 4, which reaffirms Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. I therefore invite you to preserve peace through dialogue and understanding across the hemisphere,” the letter stated.

Background: U.S. Anti-Drug Operations

Maduro’s response comes in the wake of recent U.S. anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, personally endorsed by Trump. The operations included the destruction of several boats allegedly carrying narcotics. According to reports, at least 14 people have been killed during these interventions.

The letter underscores the deepening tensions between Caracas and Washington, while highlighting Maduro’s attempt to frame the dispute within a broader regional call for peace and diplomacy.