The administration of Donald Trump has taken a decisive stance against Venezuela. Citing drug trafficking, the President is readying military action against Venezuela. Recently, he threatened a ground operation against Nicolás Maduro's government. On Wednesday, the tension peaked as the U.S. seized a substantial oil tanker near Venezuela's coast.
Following the seizure of the oil-laden Venezuelan tanker, the U.S. announced new sanctions on its shipping companies and vessels. The U.S. Treasury released a list of new sanctions on Thursday, including names linked to Maduro, such as the three nephews of his wife, Cilia Flores, and another related businessman.
Two of these banned nephews were previously convicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges, later exchanged under a prisoner swap agreement.
The U.S. Treasury stated that the banned six vessels were involved in illicit, unsafe shipping activities benefiting Maduro's government economically. Among these, four are Panamanian-flagged, while the other two fly flags of the Cook Islands and Hong Kong.
Venezuela, a nation rich in oil, derives 90% of its foreign income from crude oil exports. It boasts the world's largest oil reserves and primarily sells its crude to the multinational energy giant, Chevron Corporation in the United States.
A considerable volume of Venezuelan crude finds its way to Iran, China, Russia, and India through the black market. The Trump administration claims that the seized tanker, 'Skipper,' was bound for Iran, causing substantial financial blow to the Maduro government.
The world is abuzz with the Trump administration's recent actions against Venezuela. The issue has garnered substantial media coverage in the United States.
CNN reported that America has set its sights on Venezuela's oil sector. CNN spoke to Maduro, where he extended a peace message to the Trump administration, saying, 'Do not wage war over oil.'
Source: aajtak
CNN coverage indicated the escalating tension brought by new sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers and ships. CNN describes, 'The recent move has intensified the Trump administration's ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela for months now. America has reinforced its campaign with thousands of troops and a carrier strike group in the Caribbean Sea, continuously striking suspected drug vessels and repeatedly issuing threatening statements against Maduro.'
ABC News, another American broadcaster, reported that America aims to seize the oil loaded on the captured Venezuelan tanker.
As quoted in ABC News, Trump's press secretary, Carolyn Leavitt, stated, 'The seized oil vessel is headed to a U.S. port, and America aims to take control of the loaded oil. However, the oil seizure is a legal process that will be adhered to.'
U.S. media also featured Venezuela's government's statement, condemning the tanker's seizure as 'blatant theft and international piracy.'
Following Wednesday's seizure, U.S. broadcaster CBS News reported that the Trump administration is gearing up to conduct more similar missions.
The report detailed, 'The Trump administration has been attacking alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans for months, now threatening to extend this campaign to Venezuelan land. America continues to boost its military presence in this region. Earlier this week, two fighter jets were deployed to fly over the Venezuelan Gulf.'
Time Magazine's website analyzed the America-Venezuela tensions in an article titled 'Trump's advisors and Venezuelan opposition leader plan to oust Maduro.'
The article questioned the increasing American military operations, considering Maduro's potential exit after 12 years in power, and what would transpire for Venezuela's 29 million residents the following day. The opposition party, led by María Corina Machado, is expected to handle the government, extricating it from a brutal dictatorship while maintaining peace.
Source: aajtak
This year, Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize. Living in hiding from her government in Venezuela, Machado is a strong supporter of Trump.
According to the report, 'Machado openly supported Trump's military campaign targeting her country, acknowledging Trump's devastating attacks on suspected drug boats as violations of war laws. On Wednesday, after nearly a year in hiding, Machado publicly appeared in Oslo, hours before her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.'
The report further discussed Trump's advisors preparing options if Maduro abdicates or is removed, including assisting the opposition in forming an interim government and ensuring the security of Venezuela's oil fields and infrastructure.
USA Today explained in detail why Trump threatens Venezuela.
The paper noted, 'Trump accuses Maduro of being a drug trafficker, sending fentanyl, worsening the U.S. drug crisis, and blames Venezuela's Maduro government for the large influx of migrants into the country. In August, America increased the reward for arresting Maduro to 50 million dollars, the biggest reward yet. America claims that Maduro is linked to drug trafficking and criminal groups.'
Source: aajtak
Rebutting a claim from the Trump administration, the report explained, 'In November, the U.S. State Department declared Maduro and other senior officials part of a foreign terrorist organization, the Cartel de los Soles. Yet, experts told USA TODAY it is actually a loose corruption network, not a legitimate drug trafficking organization. The Venezuelan president has denied any involvement with the illegal drug trade.'
