Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers to and from Venezuela

President Donald Trump has declared a "total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, intensifying pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's administration. In a social media post, Trump stated that the Venezuelan regime has been designated a foreign terrorist organization due to alleged involvement in terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

This announcement follows the recent U.S. seizure of the oil tanker Skipper off Venezuela's coast, a move that has heightened tensions between the two nations. The U.S. military has also increased its presence in the Caribbean, with a significant naval armada positioned near Venezuela.

Venezuela, which possesses some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, has accused the United States of attempting to seize its resources under the guise of anti-drug operations. The Maduro government has yet to respond to the latest U.S. actions.