President Donald Trump of the United States made it unequivocally clear that it would be a 'smart move' for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down. Otherwise, it might be his last display of toughness. Trump's warning arrives as Washington escalates its naval blockade efforts against Venezuelan oil shipments.
Meanwhile, the US military is in pursuit of a third Venezuelan oil-laden ship in the Caspian Sea, aiming for its capture. Trump remarked that his forces will seize the ship.
Speaking to reporters at his Florida residence, Trump was asked if the rising military presence and threats from the US aim to remove Maduro from power after more than a decade. Trump replied, "It depends on what they decide to do." "In my view, it's a smart move for them." This statement underscores America's intention for a change of power in Venezuela.
This Will Be the Last Time...
Following this, Trump issued a warning stating that if Maduro chose to showcase 'force', it might be the 'last time he can intimidate'.
He also suggested that the US might retain or sell the seized oil off Venezuela's coast in recent weeks, mentioning that America might keep the seized ships. Trump stated, "We may sell it, or we may keep it." He added that it might replenish America's Strategic Reserve.
Instead of Making Threats...
In response, Caracas dismissed Trump's remarks and urged him to focus on domestic affairs. During a government television broadcast, Venezuela's leader argued that focusing on America's economic and social challenges would benefit Trump, rather than threatening another nation.
Maduro stated, "It would be better if he concentrates on economic and social issues in his own country, improving America's standing globally by addressing its internal matters."
We Will Capture This Ship As Well
Trump issued a stern warning to Venezuela amid an ongoing pursuit by the US Coast Guard, seeking to apprehend an oil tanker part of what's labeled by the Trump administration as the "dark fleet".
Reports indicate that Venezuela uses this tanker to bypass US restrictions. According to the White House, this tanker operates under a "false flag" and is subject to a US court's seizure order.
President Trump declared, "The vessel is on the move, and we will capture it as well."
This marks the third tanker being pursued by the US Coast Guard. On Saturday, US forces seized a Panama-flagged ship named 'Centurions', deemed part of Venezuela's shadow fleet.
With Navy assistance, the Coast Guard seized a Panama-registered banned tanker, 'Skipper', involved in shadow fleet operations on December 10th. The US alleges these tankers operate outside legal boundaries to transport banned cargo.
The Trump administration increased pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government with drug trafficking accusations, which led to lethal actions against alleged smugglers in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in over 100 casualties. The US has commandeered several Venezuela-linked oil tankers, declaring a blockade of all outlawed ships. The massive American naval deployment, including aircraft carriers, has heightened war fears.
