US Expands Venezuela Sanctions, Seizes Oil Tanker Amid Escalating Tensions
The United States has taken further action against Venezuela‘s president Nicolás Maduro, expanding sanctions and seizing an oil tanker linked to his government. The move comes as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
The US Treasury Department announced on Thursday that it had imposed curbs on three nephews of Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, as well as six crude oil supertankers and the shipping companies linked to them. The targeted vessels recently loaded crude oil in Venezuela, according to state oil company PDVSA’s internal shipping documents.
The seized tanker, named the Skipper, was taken off the coast of Venezuela by US authorities. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the vessel will be taken to a US port and the United States intends to seize the oil on board. The legal process for the seizure of the oil will be followed.
The move has been met with criticism from some US lawmakers, who have expressed concerns that President Trump is “sleepwalking us into a war with Venezuela.” Maduro responded to the seizure by calling it an act of international piracy and stating that his government will defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination.
Russian Support for Maduro Amid Escalating Tensions
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s support for the current Venezuelan government. According to a Kremlin readout of the call, Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and continued to build economic and energy cooperation, including offshore oil ventures in the Caribbean Sea.
The move is seen as a further escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela, with some experts warning that the situation could spiral out of control if not addressed. The seizure of the oil tanker has sparked concerns among some lawmakers that President Trump is taking a confrontational approach to dealing with Maduro’s government.
International Reactions to Escalating Tensions
The international community has been watching the developments in Venezuela with growing concern. Neighbouring countries, such as Colombia, have called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Colombian Foreign Affairs Minister Rosa Villavicencio indicated that her government would be willing to offer Maduro a place to live or “protection” if needed.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. One thing is certain: the world is watching with bated breath as the United States and Venezuela engage in a high-stakes game of diplomatic chess.
Original Article: Trump expands Venezuela sanctions as Maduro decries new ‘era of piracy’ — The Guardian