Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers, prohibiting their travel into and out of Venezuela, while designating President Maduro's government as a transnational terrorist organization, sparking intense tensions.
Trump posted on the platform Truth Social that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been designated by the US as a transnational terrorist organization, accusing it of involvement in terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and embezzlement of US assets.
"Therefore, today I am ordering a complete and total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela."
Trump also warned that Venezuela is being surrounded by the largest naval force South America has ever seen, adding that US military presence will increase further, presenting a scene Venezuela has never witnessed before.
Trump accused Maduro's government of using stolen oil as funding for drug trafficking, terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping. The US government has long accused Venezuela of illegal drug trafficking.
Since last September, the US military claims to have killed at least 90 people in operations targeting vessels allegedly transporting fentanyl and illegal drugs bound for the US, while continuously deploying warships in the region.
Trump's announcement came just one week after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The White House stated the vessel, named Skipper, was involved in illegal oil transport and will be taken to a US port.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the action, with Maduro accusing the US of blatantly kidnapping the crew and stealing the ship.
Before the seizure, the US had significantly reinforced its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, including deploying thousands of troops and stationing the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, within striking distance of Venezuela.
However, Venezuela responded by accusing Washington of using security excuses to seize the country's energy resources.
Both under Trump and former President Joe Biden, the US has consistently opposed Maduro's government, imposing harsh economic sanctions to pressure him out of power.
Recently, the US announced sanctions against six additional oil tankers as well as individuals close to Maduro and his business network, labeling them part of an illegitimate regime.
So far, the Venezuelan government has not issued an official response to Trump's latest blockade order, amid concerns that this escalation could push the region toward even more severe conflict.
Source:BBC
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