In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has announced a comprehensive naval blockade targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuelan waters. The declaration came via Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he formally designated Nicolás Maduro’s government as a foreign terrorist organization while leveling serious allegations of asset theft, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.
This provocative move follows last week’s seizure of the oil tanker ‘Skipper’ by US forces off Venezuela’s coast, which Caracas condemned as an act of ‘kidnapping and theft.’ Trump asserted that Venezuela is now ‘completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the South American region,’ promising the military presence would ‘only get bigger’ and exceed anything previously witnessed.
The Trump administration has maintained consistent pressure against Maduro’s government, with the US military reporting approximately 90 casualties in recent anti-narcotics operations targeting vessels allegedly transporting fentanyl. Additional sanctions have been imposed on six more ships carrying Venezuelan oil, alongside measures targeting Maduro’s relatives and businesses associated with his administration.
Venezuela, possessing among the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has repeatedly accused Washington of attempting to plunder its natural resources. The escalating situation has drawn serious concern from US lawmakers, with Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) characterizing the naval blockade as ‘unquestionably an act of war.’ The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a resolution directing the president to cease hostilities with Venezuela, highlighting domestic political divisions over the aggressive foreign policy approach.