U.S. declares naval blockade on Venezuelan Oil, prompting “Act of War” accusations
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a “total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, dramatically escalating tensions. In a social media post, he labeled the government of President Nicolás Maduro a “foreign terrorist organization,” accusing it of using “stolen” oil to finance drug trafficking and other crimes.
This move follows the recent U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast and deadly strikes on boats alleged to be smuggling drugs. Over 30 vessels in Venezuelan waters are currently under U.S. sanctions.
In response, Caracas has denounced the blockade as “warmongering” and an attempt to steal its resources.
The U.S. has significantly built up naval forces in the Caribbean, including deploying the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier. U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro called the blockade “unquestionably an act of war,” with lawmakers preparing a resolution to oppose hostilities.
The UN has separately warned of an intensifying crackdown on civic freedoms within Venezuela.
The economy of the nation, heavily reliant on oil exports, faces severe pressure from the expanding U.S. embargo.
