Trump orders ‘total blockade’ of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers

US President, Donald Trump, has ordered a “total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social, accusing the government of President Nicolás Maduro of terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking.

He said the Maduro administration had also stolen United States assets and used oil proceeds to fund criminal activities.

“Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela,” he said.

US sanctions six more ships after Venezuela tanker seizure

Venezuela’s government rejected the decision, describing it as a threat and an act of aggression.

Trump claimed Venezuela was surrounded by what he described as the largest naval force ever assembled in South America.

He added that the US military presence in the region would continue to expand.

The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to finance illegal activities.

Since September, the US military has carried out strikes on vessels it said were transporting illegal drugs toward the United States.

In recent months, US warships have also been deployed to waters near Venezuela.

Venezuela, which holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, has accused Washington of trying to take control of its resources.

The US has opposed the Maduro government for years and has imposed sanctions under both the Trump and Biden administrations.

Last week, Washington imposed new sanctions on six ships accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.

The US also placed sanctions on relatives of President Maduro and businesses linked to his government.

Some US lawmakers have warned that the blockade could amount to an act of war and are seeking a vote to halt further hostilities.

(BBC)