U.S. Offered Maduro Global Travel Options Prior to Military Action in Venezuela

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan disclosed that the United States had offered Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro the chance to travel anywhere globally prior to the commencement of military operations in Venezuela. He noted that Turkey had not received any formal request to host Maduro within its borders.

In an interview with TRT Haber, Fidan remarked:
"To our knowledge, the United States offered Maduro the option to travel anywhere in the world and cautioned him about a military operation aimed at Venezuela. We have not received such a request from Maduro or any other nation."

These comments emerge in light of significant developments on January 3, when the U.S. executed a broad military operation in Venezuela, leading to the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were subsequently transported to New York, where U.S. President Donald Trump announced that they would face charges, including "drug-related terrorism" and threats to U.S. national security.

In response, Maduro and Flores denied the allegations during their court appearance in New York. Additionally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had previously indicated that Maduro would be welcomed in Minsk should he choose to seek refuge outside of Venezuela.

Fidan's remarks raise questions regarding the alternatives available to Maduro prior to the military action and the potential involvement of other nations in providing asylum to the Venezuelan leader if he opts to leave his country.