CARACAS, Venezuela – At the start of the new escalation, Venezuela denounced a decision by US President Donald Trump
to impose a complete and total blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers as they enter or leave Venezuelan waters.
The move was described as “threats to ignite war” targeting the country’s sovereignty and resources.
US escalation and a comprehensive naval blockade
For his part, Trump stated that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
has been designated as a “foreign terrorist organization”.
Accusing her of involvement in drug smuggling and human trafficking.
Moreover, these statements came after the United States seized
an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast last week.
This move was considered highly significant because of the Venezuelan economy’s heavy reliance on oil exports.
Although Trump did not specify the details of the mechanisms
for implementing the blockade, specialized data indicated that
More than 30 of the 80 ships that were in Venezuelan waters are already subject to US sanctions.
In addition, Washington imposed new sanctions packages targeting Maduro’s relatives
and companies linked to what the United States described as the “illegitimate regime”.
Military movements and division within the United States
In the same context, Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform
that Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest naval fleet,” hinting at a greater escalation.
On the other hand, Caracas accused Washington of seeking to seize its resources.
She stressed that the US actions constitute a blatant violation of international law.
As a result of these developments, the US military presence in the Caribbean has been strengthened,
including thousands of troops and the world’s largest aircraft carrier.
Meanwhile, a Democratic congressman in Washington described the blockade
as “an outright act of war,” calling for an end to hostilities.
In conclusion, this crisis comes in the context of a long-standing conflict between the two countries,
amid ongoing international criticism of their human rights record
and UN warnings of increasing restrictions on public freedoms.
