Credit, Getty Images
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- author, Aoife Walsh
- To roll, BBC News
In a message published on his social network Truth Social, he declared that the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro was classified as a foreign terrorist organization.
The American said Venezuela had already stolen American assets, in addition to accusing the Maduro regime of “terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking.”
“Therefore, today I am ordering a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela,” he added.
The Republican said Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest Armada (naval or military force) ever assembled in the history of South America,” and added that this “will only increase” and “will be something never seen before.”
Venezuela has not yet responded to Trump’s latest statements.
The price of American crude oil increased following these new declarations: on Tuesday evening, it was trading around $56 per barrel, an increase of around 1.3% over the day.
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuela of drug trafficking.
Since September, U.S. military personnel have killed at least 90 people in attacks on boats they say were transporting fentanyl and other illegal drugs to the United States.
In recent months, the United States has also deployed warships to the region.
Venezuela, home to some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, accuses Washington of trying to steal its resources.
The United States, both under Trump and former President Joe Biden, opposed Maduro’s government for years and pushed for his ouster from power.
Last week, the United States imposed new sanctions on six more ships it said were carrying Venezuelan oil.
Sanctions have also been imposed on some close to President Maduro and companies associated with what the United States calls an illegitimate regime.
The day before, the United States announced the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
The White House said the seized vessel, called Skipper, was involved in “illegal transportation of oil” and would be taken to a US port.
Maduro criticized the seizure, saying the United States had “kidnapped the crew” and “stolen” the ship.
The United States increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, which covers Venezuela to the north, in the days leading up to the operation.
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