Trump Tightens Stance on Venezuela, Orders Total Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers

By: The Trek News Desk

US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new measure against Venezuela, ordering a “total and complete” blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers travelling to and from the country. The decision comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, just days after US authorities seized an oil tanker near Venezuela’s coastline.

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump said the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been classified as a foreign terrorist organisation. He accused the Maduro administration of involvement in terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the theft of American assets.

Citing these allegations, Trump said the United States would no longer allow sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela to operate freely. He further claimed that Venezuela is currently surrounded by an unprecedented naval deployment in South America, warning that the US military presence in the region will continue to expand.

The US president also alleged that revenues generated from illegally obtained oil are being used by the Maduro government to fund criminal activities, including drug-related terrorism, violence, kidnappings, and human trafficking.

For years, the United States has accused Venezuela of being a major hub for narcotics trafficking. Since September, US forces have carried out multiple operations against vessels suspected of transporting fentanyl and other illegal drugs toward the United States. Reports indicate that several people were killed during these actions. In parallel, Washington has significantly increased the deployment of warships in the Caribbean region.

Venezuela, which possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has consistently rejected these claims. The Maduro government has accused the US of attempting to seize control of its natural resources under the guise of sanctions and security operations.

Both the Trump administration and the previous government under President Joe Biden have maintained a hardline policy toward Caracas, imposing strict economic sanctions in an effort to weaken Maduro’s hold on power. Last week alone, the US announced new sanctions on six additional vessels allegedly involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. Sanctions were also extended to certain relatives of President Maduro and businesses linked to what Washington describes as his illegitimate regime.

The recent seizure of the oil tanker Skipper further intensified the standoff. The White House stated that the vessel was engaged in illegal oil trade and would be redirected to an American port. In response, Venezuelan authorities strongly condemned the move, accusing the US of unlawfully seizing the ship and detaining its crew.

Sources indicate that the operation was preceded by a major buildup of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea, including thousands of troops and the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier.

Source: News Agencies