Venezuela has begun escorting oil tankers out of its ports using naval warships after statements by US President Donald Trump warning of a full maritime blockade on Venezuelan oil shipments, according to reports by The New York Times.
US-Venezuela standoff intensifies as naval forces escort sanctioned cargoes
The newspaper reported that Venezuelan authorities ordered the use of naval forces after Trump publicly said he had directed a “total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers travelling to or from Venezuela.
Several commercial vessels were reported to have departed Venezuela’s eastern coast between the night of 16 December and the morning of 17 December under protection from the Venezuelan Navy.
The escorted ships are carrying cargoes including urea, petroleum coke and other oil-industry products, with most of the consignments destined for Asian markets.
A US administration official told the outlet that Washington is aware of Venezuela’s decision to escort the vessels and is currently assessing possible response options as tensions between the two countries increase.
Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, said vessels linked to its operations continue to sail in what it described as complete safety.
The company stated that ships are operating with the necessary technical support and operational guarantees, adding that Venezuela is exercising its lawful right to freedom of navigation.
The Venezuelan government sharply criticised Trump’s remarks, describing them as irresponsible and warning that they risk serious escalation.
Authorities in Caracas accused the United States of violating international law and said Venezuela would continue to defend its rights to free trade, navigation, sovereignty and national independence.
Trump announced the blockade on 16 December, saying the measures would remain in place until Venezuela returned what he claimed were oil, land and other assets taken from the United States. He also said the government of President Nicolás Maduro had been designated a foreign terrorist organisation.
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Source: marineinsight
