Trump Declares Venezuela A Terrorist State, Orders Oil Tanker Blockade

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, 17 December, ordered a“full and complete” blockade on all sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers entering or leaving the country.

Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the Venezuelan government was designated a foreign terrorist organization due to asset theft, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

The decision follows the recent US seizure of a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker off the country's coast, signaling a sharp escalation in Washington's approach toward Caracas.

The announcement came after congressional briefings by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlining US military operations in the Caribbean, including interventions against suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels.

Concerns have risen from both Democrats and Republicans regarding past operations, including a September 2 attack on a Venezuelan boat that resulted in two deaths, criticized by human rights groups.

Analysts say Trump's actions combine economic, military, and legal pressure to target illicit activities, challenge the Maduro regime, and strengthen US counter-narcotics efforts in the region.

Observers warn the terrorist designation could escalate tensions in the Caribbean, complicate diplomacy, and impact global oil markets, while demonstrating a more aggressive US stance on international security.

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