US President Donald Trump has ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela - a move denounced by Caracas as warmongering threats.
Trump wrote that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government had been designated a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO), which had also engaged in Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking.
His remarks come after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week, a significant action in light of the South American nation's reliance on oil.
The US has also recently conducted deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats and has significantly built up its naval presence nearby.
Trump's post did not provide further details on how the blockade would be enforced, but noted that over 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters were under US sanctions.
Venezuela accused the US of seeking to steal its resources and expressed outrage over military actions described as acts of aggression, with rising fears of an impending conflict.
As Venezuela's economy heavily relies on oil exports, the country continues to face significant external pressures, which critics argue further destabilize its already troubled governance.
