August M
A sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas is unfolding after the US president announced a dramatic move targeting Venezuela’s oil lifeline. The decision has prompted warnings of conflict and drawn fierce condemnation from the Venezuelan government.
The announcement adds a new and volatile chapter to a long-running standoff.
Blockade declared
US President Donald Trump has ordered what he described as “a total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
Venezuela’s government rejected the move, denouncing it as ‘warmongering threats’ and accusing Washington of trying to seize its resources,
Analysts say the announcement raises legal and diplomatic questions about whether a naval blockade can be imposed outside a declared armed conflict, and whether the move risks miscalculation in crowded Caribbean shipping lanes where commercial and military vessels operate in close proximity.
Terror label expanded
While Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of drug smuggling, US authorities have not publicly provided evidence that the targeted vessels were carrying drugs such as fentanyl or cocaine.
The post suggested the terrorist designation, previously applied to Maduro personally, was now being extended to his entire government.
Sanctions and seizures
Last month, the US formally designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation, alleging it was led by Maduro, a claim he denies.
Venezuela’s government accused the US of ‘kidnapping the crew’ and stealing the vessel,
Legal and political fallout
Trump did not explain how the blockade would be enforced. The move has drawn criticism at home, with Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro calling it “unquestionably an act of war”.
Castro said US lawmakers would vote on a resolution directing the president to end hostilities with Venezuela.
The US has opposed Maduro for years, arguing his government is illegitimate and responsible for widespread human rights abuses. On Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that Venezuela’s ‘crackdown on civic space has intensified, suffocating “people’s freedoms”,.
Sources: BBC
