Trump Announces "Total Blockade" on Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tankers

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered a "full and total" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared the government of Nicolás Maduro a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it of "terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking."

1. Naval Blockade and Military Mobilization

• Unprecedented Fleet: Trump stated that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest naval fleet ever mobilized in South American history, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.

• Strategic Goals: The blockade aims to halt the flow of oil used to fund "narco-terrorism" and illegal activities.

• Operational Reach: This follows the recent seizure of the tanker "Skipper" off the Venezuelan coast by U.S. forces.

2. Escalating Conflict

• Fatal Raids: Since September, U.S. military strikes on boats allegedly carrying fentanyl and illicit drugs have resulted in at least 90 deaths.

• New Sanctions: Washington recently blacklisted six additional vessels and several of Maduro’s relatives linked to the administration.

3. Venezuela’s Response

The Venezuelan government condemned the move as "irrational" and a "grotesque threat," accusing Washington of seeking to "steal" the nation's natural resources through a military maritime blockade.