In brief
Venezuela has condemned the United States for its recent seizures of two oil tankers, describing the actions as morally equivalent to piracy. The accusations were made during an emergency UN Security Council meeting. President Trump has defended the seizures, asserting a pursuit of drugs-related activities linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The escalating tensions have raised concerns over the legality of such actions, as Russia and China also voiced disapproval during the session.
Venezuela has accused the United States of the 'greatest extortion' at an emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York.
Washington's seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers was described as 'worse than piracy' by the Venezuelan ambassador to the UN.
The emergency meeting was convened to address the recent US actions, which also included a mention of pursuing a third tanker.
President Trump has publicly accused Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of leading a narcotics cartel, claiming gangs had operated with impunity for far too long.
Following Trump's order on December 16 for a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, US claims include plans to keep or sell the crude oil and vessels seized.
Moreover, the US has ramped up military presence in the Caribbean, marking its largest deployment to the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama, aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's envoy to the UN, harshly criticized the US actions as pillaging and recolonization of Venezuela's resources, challenging their legality in international law.
In response, US Ambassador Michael Waltz articulated that the American government does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, linking oil sales to Maduro's 'narco-terrorist activities.'
The session has also seen Russia and China condemn the US for its bullying tactics, warning that it could set a precedent for future aggression against Latin American states.
Maduro stated that the Security Council has shown overwhelming support for Venezuela amidst these accusations.
