In a significant escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump announced a major policy shift targeting Venezuela's crucial oil industry. On Tuesday, he declared the nation's ruling regime a foreign terrorist organization and imposed a sweeping maritime blockade.
Trump's Decisive Move on Truth Social
Donald Trump used his platform, Truth Social, to make the dramatic announcement. He cited a series of grave accusations against the Venezuelan government as the justification for this severe action. In his post, Trump accused the regime of "the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking". Consequently, he formally designated it as a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.
A Total and Complete Blockade Ordered
Following the terrorist designation, Trump declared an immediate and aggressive economic measure. "Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela," he stated. This order, issued on Tuesday, aims to cripple the movement of Venezuelan oil by sea, targeting vessels already under US sanctions.
Implications and Global Repercussions
This move represents a sharp intensification of the long-standing US pressure campaign against Venezuela. A full naval blockade on sanctioned tankers could have severe consequences:
- Strangling Oil Revenue: Venezuela's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports. Blocking these shipments directly attacks the government's primary source of foreign currency.
- Escalating Geopolitical Tensions: The action risks further complicating international relations, especially with countries that continue to engage with Venezuelan oil.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Such a blockade could exacerbate the existing economic and humanitarian crisis within the country, affecting the general population.
The announcement, based on inputs from international news agency Reuters, marks a developing story with potential for significant updates as the situation unfolds and global reactions pour in.
