U.S. President Donald Trump announced he has ordered a “total and complete” naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers bound for or leaving Venezuela, dramatically escalating tensions with the South American nation.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, Trump designated the government of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro a “foreign terrorist organization.” He accused it of stealing U.S. assets and engaging in “Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking.”
“Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela,” Trump wrote. He claimed the country is “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” warning it will “only get bigger” and “be like nothing they have ever seen before.”
Venezuela Rejects “Grotesque Threat,” U.S. Military Builds Presence
The Venezuelan government swiftly rejected what it called a “grotesque threat,” accusing Washington of seeking to steal its vast oil resources. The announcement follows a significant U.S. military buildup in the region in recent months, including the positioning of the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group within striking distance of Venezuela.
Last week, the U.S. seized the oil tanker Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, alleging it was involved in “illicit oil shipping.” Venezuela denounced the act, with Maduro stating the U.S. “kidnapped the crew” and “stole” the ship. The U.S. also imposed fresh sanctions on six more vessels and associates of Maduro’s government.
Act of War or Lawful Enforcement?
The move marks a sharp intensification of long-standing U.S. opposition to Maduro’s government, which has been under stringent sanctions from both the Trump and Biden administrations. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuela of using oil profits to finance drug trafficking and terrorism.
The blockade declaration drew immediate condemnation from some U.S. lawmakers. Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called it “unquestionably an act of war.” He said the House will vote Thursday on a resolution “directing the president to end hostilities with Venezuela.”
The U.S. military has increased anti-narcotics operations in the region, claiming strikes since September on boats allegedly smuggling drugs, resulting in at least 90 fatalities. The situation sets the stage for a potential major international confrontation centered on Venezuela’s critical oil industry.
By James Kisoo
