Venezuela denounces Trump's order for ship blockade as 'warmongering threats'

December 17, 2025

President Trump has announced a comprehensive blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, designating the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization and accusing it of drug trafficking and human rights violations. This escalation follows the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker last week and the deployment of massive naval forces, including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean region. Venezuela has condemned these actions as acts of aggression aimed at stealing its oil resources, while some US lawmakers have characterized the blockade as an act of war.

Who is affected

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his government
Venezuelan citizens and economy dependent on oil exports
Crew members of seized oil tankers (including the Skipper)
At least 90 people killed in US military strikes on boats
Maduro's relatives facing sanctions
Businesses associated with Maduro's regime
US President Donald Trump and his administration
US military personnel deployed to the Caribbean
Congressman Joaquin Castro and other US lawmakers

What action is being taken

The US is conducting a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela
The US military has positioned thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier near Venezuela
The US has imposed fresh sanctions on six ships carrying Venezuelan oil
The US has placed sanctions on Maduro's relatives and associated businesses
The US military has been conducting deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela tensions that some lawmakers characterize as an act of war. Venezuela's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports despite its relatively small production levels, making the blockade economically devastating for a country already facing international isolation. The designation of Maduro's entire government as a foreign terrorist organization, combined with the largest naval armada ever assembled in South American history according to Trump, signals an unprecedented level of military and economic pressure that could destabilize the region and affect global oil markets.

What's next

US lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a resolution directing the president to end hostilities with Venezuela.

Read full article from source: BBC