Venezuela has strongly criticized a new directive by US President Donald Trump ordering a sweeping blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country, describing the move as a dangerous escalation and an act of “warmongering.”
The announcement follows the recent seizure by US forces of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, a development that has heightened tensions given the country’s heavy dependence on oil exports. Caracas argues that Washington is deliberately targeting its main economic lifeline.
In a statement published on his Truth Social platform, President Trump said the Venezuelan government had been designated a foreign terrorist organization. He accused the administration of President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and human trafficking, allegations that Venezuelan authorities firmly reject.
Trump also claimed that Venezuela was now surrounded by an unprecedented naval force, warning that the US military presence in the region would continue to expand. According to him, the blockade is intended to prevent what he described as the use of oil revenues to fund criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violent crime.
Venezuela has responded by accusing the United States of seeking to appropriate its natural resources. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, though its current production levels remain limited due to years of economic crisis and sanctions.
In recent months, the US has intensified military operations in the Caribbean, including strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug smuggling. American authorities say these operations have resulted in dozens of deaths since September. However, no public evidence has been released to substantiate claims that the targeted boats were transporting drugs such as fentanyl or cocaine.
Last month, Washington formally designated the Venezuelan group known as the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging links to senior figures in the Maduro government. Venezuelan officials deny the accusations and dismiss the designation as politically motivated.
The latest order does not specify how the proposed blockade would be enforced. Following last week’s tanker seizure, the US imposed additional sanctions on six other vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil, as well as on relatives of President Maduro and businesses linked to his administration.
The military build-up near Venezuela has drawn criticism within the United States. Congressman Joaquin Castro described the blockade as an act of war and announced plans for lawmakers to vote on a resolution calling on the president to end hostilities with Venezuela.
The US has opposed the Maduro government for years, maintaining sanctions and challenging the legitimacy of his rule. Venezuela’s most recent election was widely criticized by opposition groups and several foreign governments, including the US, which argue that the vote lacked credibility.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has raised concerns about the internal situation in the country. On Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that restrictions on civic freedoms in Venezuela have intensified, further limiting political and social space for citizens.
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