Venezuela has called the blockade of tankers carrying oil to and from the country “irrational” and a “grotesque threat.” The measure was announced by US President Donald Trump this Tuesday (16).
“The President of the United States intends to absolutely irrationally impose a so-called naval military blockade on Venezuela with the aim of stealing the wealth that belongs to our homeland,” the Venezuelan government said in a statement.
As reported LeafTrump said the South American country is “completely surrounded” by its armed forces. The action is expected to prevent the transit of any ships from companies not linked to Chevron, originating from the United States. Even with sanctions against the Venezuelan oil sector, the company operates in the region with Washington’s approval — in line with the determination, maintained by Trump, of the Joe Biden administration to reduce the price of gasoline in its territory.
The tension is part of the dispute between the two administrations. On December 11, the Trump administration captured the Guyanese-flagged tanker “Skinner” in the Caribbean, which was sailing from a Venezuelan port. The justification is that the ship was intended for Iran, which is also sanctioned. This episode caused a drop in Venezuela’s oil exports. At least 11 million barrels are on ships off the Venezuelan coast.
Venezuela has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, so exports of this product are strategic for an already weakened national economy.
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