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.
About the author
Watford Sack Head Coach Ed Still After Poor Run
Watford Football Club have parted company with head coach Ed Still after a short spell in charge at Vicarage Road, ending his tenure after less than three months. The 35-year-old Belgian was appointed on 9 February on a two-and-a-half-year contract following the departure of his predecessor Javi Gracia. At the time of his arrival, Watford were 11th in the table and only three points outside the Championship play-off positions. However, results quickly declined. The team won just three of their last 15 league matches under Still, eventually finishing 16th in the table. They ended the season 16 points adrift of the play-off places and only 10 points above the relegation zone. Still’s final match in charge was a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Champions Coventry City. It marked Watford’s fifth consecutive loss, during which they conceded 16 goals and scored […]
US Plans to Cut Troops in Germany Sparks NATO Concern
Senior Republican lawmakers in the United States have raised concerns over a Pentagon plan to reduce the American military presence in Germany, warning that the move could weaken NATO deterrence and send an encouraging signal to Russia. The planned reduction involves the withdrawal of around 5,000 US troops currently stationed in Germany, which hosts the largest American military deployment in Europe. The decision was confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said it followed a detailed review of operational needs and conditions on the ground. Two senior lawmakers, Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, who lead the Senate and House Armed Services Committees respectively, argued that the troops should not be withdrawn from Europe entirely. Instead, they suggested that forces should be repositioned further east to strengthen deterrence against potential threats. In a joint statement, they warned that reducing […]
Gaza Families Face Rising Pest and Health Crisis
A mother in the Gaza Strip has described a terrifying night when her young daughter was attacked by a wild animal inside their makeshift shelter, as worsening sanitation conditions fuel a growing public health crisis across the territory. Samah al-Daabla told the BBC that her four-year-old daughter, Mayaseen, began screaming at around 2am. When her husband switched on a torch, a weasel reportedly fled the scene. The child’s hand was badly injured and covered in blood, leaving the family in shock. Mayaseen was later taken to a hospital in Gaza City, where she received a tetanus injection. She experienced several days of fever and vomiting but is now recovering in the family’s tent. The incident reflects a wider crisis in Gaza, where displaced families are living in overcrowded camps with limited access to sanitation, clean water, and waste removal services. […]
Barcelona Close in on La Liga Title After Osasuna Win
Barcelona have moved a step closer to securing a second consecutive La Liga title after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar. The win extends Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to 14 points, leaving them on the verge of being crowned champions under head coach Hansi Flick. The Catalan side could officially seal the title as early as Sunday if Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol. If Real Madrid win, Barcelona will still have the opportunity to clinch the championship by avoiding defeat in their upcoming home clash against Real Madrid on May 10. The match in Pamplona was tightly contested for long spells before Barcelona broke the deadlock through a well-worked attacking move. Substitute Marcus Rashford delivered a precise cross into the box, where striker Robert Lewandowski rose to head home the opening […]
Man Charged After Death of Five-Year-Old in Australia
A man has been charged with murder and two counts of sexual assault following the death of a five-year-old girl in Australia, in a case that has deeply shaken communities in the Northern Territory. The child, identified only as Kumanjayi Little Baby, a culturally assigned pseudonym used by her family after her death, was found on Thursday after a multi-day police search. Authorities confirmed she had disappeared the previous Saturday night after being put to bed at an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs. Police arrested 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis and later charged him with murder on Saturday night. He is scheduled to appear in court in Darwin on Tuesday. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the investigation remains ongoing and described the case as deeply distressing. He urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference, […]
Zelenskyy Expands Gulf Defence Partnerships
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a notable visit to Saudi Arabia in March, arriving in a black outfit and walking across a lilac carpet in what observers described as a carefully staged diplomatic moment. He said the trip was aimed at “strengthening the protection of lives,” highlighting Ukraine’s effort to expand international security partnerships amid its ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy’s visit formed part of a broader push by Kyiv to position itself as a global hub for battlefield-tested drone warfare expertise. Ukraine has increasingly showcased its military experience to Gulf states, particularly in countering drone and missile threats, in an effort to build strategic and defence-related partnerships. According to Ukrainian officials, agreements have now been reached with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to share drone technology and operational know-how. These countries have themselves faced missile and drone […]
Related
US Plans to Cut Troops in Germany Sparks NATO Concern
Senior Republican lawmakers in the United States have raised concerns over a Pentagon plan to reduce the American military presence in Germany, warning that the move could weaken NATO deterrence and send an encouraging signal to Russia. The planned reduction involves the withdrawal of around 5,000 US troops currently stationed in Germany, which hosts the largest American military deployment in Europe. The decision was confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said it followed a detailed review of operational needs and conditions on the ground. Two senior lawmakers, Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, who lead the Senate and House Armed Services Committees respectively, argued that the troops should not be withdrawn from Europe entirely. Instead, they suggested that forces should be repositioned further east to strengthen deterrence against potential threats. In a joint statement, they warned that reducing […]
Gaza Families Face Rising Pest and Health Crisis
A mother in the Gaza Strip has described a terrifying night when her young daughter was attacked by a wild animal inside their makeshift shelter, as worsening sanitation conditions fuel a growing public health crisis across the territory. Samah al-Daabla told the BBC that her four-year-old daughter, Mayaseen, began screaming at around 2am. When her husband switched on a torch, a weasel reportedly fled the scene. The child’s hand was badly injured and covered in blood, leaving the family in shock. Mayaseen was later taken to a hospital in Gaza City, where she received a tetanus injection. She experienced several days of fever and vomiting but is now recovering in the family’s tent. The incident reflects a wider crisis in Gaza, where displaced families are living in overcrowded camps with limited access to sanitation, clean water, and waste removal services. […]
Man Charged After Death of Five-Year-Old in Australia
A man has been charged with murder and two counts of sexual assault following the death of a five-year-old girl in Australia, in a case that has deeply shaken communities in the Northern Territory. The child, identified only as Kumanjayi Little Baby, a culturally assigned pseudonym used by her family after her death, was found on Thursday after a multi-day police search. Authorities confirmed she had disappeared the previous Saturday night after being put to bed at an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs. Police arrested 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis and later charged him with murder on Saturday night. He is scheduled to appear in court in Darwin on Tuesday. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the investigation remains ongoing and described the case as deeply distressing. He urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference, […]
Zelenskyy Expands Gulf Defence Partnerships
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a notable visit to Saudi Arabia in March, arriving in a black outfit and walking across a lilac carpet in what observers described as a carefully staged diplomatic moment. He said the trip was aimed at “strengthening the protection of lives,” highlighting Ukraine’s effort to expand international security partnerships amid its ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy’s visit formed part of a broader push by Kyiv to position itself as a global hub for battlefield-tested drone warfare expertise. Ukraine has increasingly showcased its military experience to Gulf states, particularly in countering drone and missile threats, in an effort to build strategic and defence-related partnerships. According to Ukrainian officials, agreements have now been reached with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to share drone technology and operational know-how. These countries have themselves faced missile and drone […]
Taiwan Leader Visits Eswatini Amid China Tensions
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, just days after his administration said a planned visit had been disrupted by alleged Chinese pressure on African nations to deny him overflight access. Speaking about the trip, Lai said it was made possible through “careful arrangements” by Taiwan’s diplomatic and national security teams, without revealing specific travel details. China criticized the visit, describing it as a “stowaway-style escape farce.” Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and rejects any form of official diplomatic engagement between Taiwan and other states. On arrival, Lai was received by Russell Dlamini and welcomed with a formal guard of honour. Taiwan’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and National Security Council adviser Alex Huang, according to the presidential office. The visit was not publicly announced in advance. It had initially been scheduled for April […]
Somali Pirates Hijack Oil Tanker Near Yemen
Somali pirates have seized an oil tanker near Yemen, according to several Somali security officials who spoke to the BBC. Earlier, Yemen’s coastguard confirmed that the vessel, MT Eureka, had been taken over and was heading toward Somalia. Reports indicate the hijacking occurred in the Gulf of Aden, close to the port of Qana. Security sources from Puntland said the attackers launched their operation from a remote coastal location near Qandala, a town along the Gulf of Aden. Three officials independently confirmed the details to the BBC. This is the second oil tanker hijacked in the region within 10 days. On April 22, pirates captured the vessel Honor 25, which was transporting 18,500 barrels of oil to Mogadishu. Before the incident, MT Eureka was sailing under the flag of Togo. According to officials, armed men boarded the tanker at approximately […]