US President Donald Trump has ordered 'a total and complete' blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move denounced by Caracas as 'warmongering threats'.
Trump wrote that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government had been designated a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO), which had also engaged in 'Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking'.
His remarks come after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week, a significant action in light of the South American nation's reliance on oil.
The US has also recently conducted deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, and has significantly built up its naval presence nearby.
Trump's post did not give further detail of how the wide-ranging blockade on sanctioned oil tankers would be enforced.
As of last week, more than 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or approaching the country were under US sanctions, according to data compiled by TankerTrackers.com.
Multiple new US sanctions on ships said to be carrying Venezuelan oil were issued after the tanker was seized. Sanctions were also placed on some of President Maduro's relatives and on businesses associated with what the US called his illegitimate regime.
Trump's post suggested that the terrorist label previously applied to Maduro was now being widened to his whole government. The US formally alleged that the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles group was an FTO last month, implicating Maduro as the leader—a claim he denies.
In response to recent US actions, Venezuela has accused Washington of seeking to steal its resources.
Despite accusations of drug smuggling, it has provided no evidence that vessels were carrying drugs. Another ship accused of drug trafficking was destroyed by the US military, resulting in casualties.
Venezuela's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, yet produces comparatively less oil despite having the world's largest proven reserves.
Following the seizure of the tanker Skipper, Maduro condemned the US for what he termed 'kidnapping'. Trump’s blockade is viewed by lawmakers as a potential act of war, with ongoing discussions in Congress regarding hostilities with Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government has been accused of numerous rights abuses and faces pressure from the international community to address these issues or risk further sanctions.
