ON DECEMBER 16, the United States (US) announced measures to block oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The Trump administration alleges that Nicolás Maduro’s regime is engaged in drug trafficking and human trafficking. The U.S has expanded its naval presence in the region, ostensibly to interrupt the drug-smuggling boat.
According to TankerTrackers.com, more than 30 out of 80 vessels in Venezuelan waters or approaching Venezuela are under US sanctions. Over time, Trump's position has shifted from allegations of drug trafficking to claims that the Maduro government is using stolen oil to finance, what he terms, “drug terrorism” and human trafficking. In response, Venezuela has accused Washington of illegally expropriating its resources.
Considering Venezuela’s over-dependence on oil, the move carries far-reaching geopolitical implications. China has expressed its displeasure over the “unilateral bullying,” and Mexico has urged the United Nations to intervene to diffuse the tensions. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller claimed in a post on Xt that the “tyrannical expropriation” by Venezuela amounted to “the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property.” Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, has termed these measures “an act of war.” Maduro has characterized the move as an attempt at regime change and an assertion of US control over Venezuelan territory and resources.
