Trump declares Maduro’s government a “terrorist organization” and orders a “total and complete” blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers
Trump has called Nicolás Maduro’s regime a terrorist organization and declared a “total and complete” ban on oil vessels from Venezuela that have been sanctioned.
Tensions between the two countries have increased after US President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete” blockade of any sanctioned oil vessels entering or departing Venezuela.
Trump called the government of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro a foreign terrorist organization in a post on Truth Social, alleging that it was involved in “Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking” in addition to plundering US assets. The army “will only get bigger” and “be like nothing they have ever seen before,” he said, warning that Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America.”
Trump’s declaration comes after an oil ship off the coast of Venezuela was seized by the US last week. Caracas denounced the action, calling it a “grotesque threat” and asserting that Washington had “stolen” the ship and “kidnapped the crew.” The United States accused the confiscated vessel, Skipper, of engaging in “illicit oil shipping.”
With US military operations targeting boats purportedly transporting fentanyl and other illicit narcotics, the Trump administration has long accused Venezuela of drug smuggling. With thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, stationed within striking distance of Venezuela, the US has stepped up its military presence in the Caribbean in recent months.
The blockade coincides with more extensive US sanctions against Venezuela, which also target six other ships, Maduro’s family members, and companies connected to his administration. Under both Trump and former President Joe Biden, the US has continuously opposed Maduro’s administration and pushed for his overthrow through military and economic pressure.
US senators responded sharply to the development. Congressmen will vote on a resolution “directing the president to end hostilities with Venezuela” on Thursday, according to Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, who called Trump’s naval blockade “unquestionably an act of war.”
As tensions between the two nations continue to rise, Venezuela, which has some of the greatest proven oil reserves in the world, has accused the US of trying to take its resources.
