U.S. President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade targeting Venezuelan oil tankers on December 16, 2025, intensifying tensions over Caracas' oil exports and alleged illicit activities. The move, framed as a response to Venezuela's "drug terrorism" and resource disputes, has drawn sharp condemnation from the Maduro government.
In a social media post, Trump declared a "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned vessels, vowing to expand the U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean until Venezuela returns "stolen" assets. The U.S. has maintained a significant military deployment in the region since mid-2025 under the pretext of anti-drug operations.
Venezuelan authorities denounced the blockade as "irrational" and a violation of international trade norms, accusing Washington of seeking to overthrow Maduro and seize the country's oil reserves. This escalation follows recent U.S. seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers and sanctions against shipping networks.
The Federal Aviation Administration renewed warnings about Venezuelan airspace safety on December 16, citing heightened military activity. Commercial airlines have increasingly avoided the area after a near-collision between a JetBlue plane and a U.S. Air Force tanker last week.
Analysts suggest the blockade risks further destabilizing regional security while complicating global energy markets. Venezuela remains a major oil producer, though output has declined amid years of U.S. sanctions and economic crises.
