The move follows the recent US seizure of a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude|W. Bulach|CC BY-SA 4.0
President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, sharply increasing pressure on the Nicolas Maduro-led government.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump claimed, “Venezuela is surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America.” He added that the force would continue to grow and deliver a shock unlike anything the country has seen before.
The move follows the recent US seizure of a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude and signals tougher enforcement of oil sanctions. Shipping data show cargo turning back rather than risking interception, with vessels waiting near Venezuelan ports dropping sharply.
Trump said the pressure would remain until Venezuela returns oil, land, and other assets he says were taken from the United States.
Venezuela condemned the order as an illegal act of aggression and rejected US claims. While the action stops short of a full military blockade and appears to spare Chevron’s licensed operations, legal experts warn that even a limited blockade raises serious concerns under international law.