Venezuela has strongly condemned an order by US President Donald Trump to impose a comprehensive blockade on oil tankers entering or leaving the country, describing the move as an aggressive and dangerous escalation.
Trump stated that President Nicolás Maduro’s administration had been classified as a foreign terrorist organisation, accusing it of involvement in drug trafficking and human smuggling. His announcement followed the recent seizure by US authorities of an oil tanker near Venezuela’s coastline, a notable development for a nation whose economy depends heavily on oil exports.
The United States has also carried out lethal operations against vessels suspected of drug smuggling and has significantly expanded its naval presence in the region. Caracas has responded by accusing Washington of attempting to seize control of its natural resources.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Venezuela was encircled by what he described as the largest naval force ever assembled in South America, warning that the military deployment would continue to grow. He further alleged that Venezuela’s oil revenues were being used to fund criminal activities, including drug-related terrorism, human trafficking, and violent crimes.
While Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of narcotics trafficking, US officials have not released public evidence confirming that the targeted vessels were transporting drugs such as fentanyl or cocaine.
Trump’s remarks indicate that a designation previously applied mainly to Maduro personally may now extend to the entire Venezuelan government. Last month, the US formally designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation, alleging Maduro’s leadership of the group—an accusation he denies.
No detailed explanation was provided on how the proposed blockade of sanctioned oil tankers would be enforced. Following last week’s tanker seizure, Washington imposed additional sanctions on six more vessels believed to be transporting Venezuelan oil, as well as on members of Maduro’s family and businesses linked to his administration.
Despite holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela produces relatively modest amounts of oil, yet its economy remains overwhelmingly reliant on energy exports. Venezuelan officials denounced the tanker seizure as theft, with Maduro accusing the US of abducting the crew.
Meanwhile, the US has intensified its military build-up in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops and positioning the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, within operational range of Venezuela. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro described the naval blockade as an act of war and announced efforts in Congress to push for an end to hostilities.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations have long opposed Maduro’s government through sanctions and diplomatic pressure, citing alleged human rights violations and election manipulation. On Tuesday, the UN’s human rights chief warned that Venezuela’s restrictions on civil freedoms have worsened, further limiting civic space.
