US President Donald Trump has ordered a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, in Washington's latest move to increase pressure on Nicolas Maduro's government, targeting its main source of income.
It is unclear how the order will be imposed, and whether Mr Trump will turn to the US Coast Guard to intercept vessels as he did last week. The US has moved thousands of troops and nearly a dozen warships − including an aircraft carrier − to the region.
“For the theft of our assets, and many other reasons, including terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking, the Venezuelan regime has been designated a foreign terrorist organisation,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Therefore, today, I am ordering a total and complete blockage of all sanctioned oil tankers going into, and out of, Venezuela.”
Caracas said it rejected Mr Trump's “grotesque threat”.
Oil traders said prices were rising in anticipation of a potential reduction in Venezuelan exports, although they were still waiting to see how the blockade would be enforced and whether it would extend to include non-sanctioned vessels.
American presidents have broad discretion to deploy US forces abroad, but Mr Trump’s intended blockade marks a new test of presidential authority, international law scholar Elena Chachko of UC Berkeley Law School told Reuters.
Blockades have trad
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.