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Trump Declares “Total and Complete” Blockade on Sanctioned Oil Tankers Linked to Venezuela

United States President Donald Trump has announced a “total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump described the government of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as a foreign terrorist organisation, accusing it of stealing US assets and engaging in terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

Trump warned that Venezuela is now “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the history of South America,” adding that the military force “will only get bigger” and would be “like nothing they have ever seen before.”

The announcement follows the recent seizure by the United States of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast. The vessel, identified as Skipper, was accused by US authorities of participating in illicit oil shipping activities in violation of international sanctions.

Caracas strongly condemned the action, describing it as a “grotesque threat” and alleging that Washington had “kidnapped the crew” and “stolen” the ship. Venezuelan officials insisted that the seizure amounted to piracy and an unlawful act under international law.

The Trump administration has long accused Venezuela of serving as a hub for drug trafficking, particularly the smuggling of fentanyl and other illegal substances. US military operations in the region have targeted vessels allegedly linked to these activities.

In recent months, the United States has significantly increased its naval presence in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops alongside major assets, including the USS Gerald Ford—the world’s largest aircraft carrier—within striking distance of Venezuela, further heightening regional and international concerns over a possible military confrontation.