Venezuela Accuses US of ‘Extortion’ Over Seizure of Oil Tankers
Venezuela has leveled serious accusations against the United States, describing its actions regarding the seizure of several oil tankers as the “greatest extortion” in the country’s history. This statement was made during an emergency session of the UN Security Council held in New York, specifically prompted by the recent seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers near the nation’s coast.
Key Events and Responses
– The Venezuelan ambassador to the UN characterized the US actions as “worse than piracy.”
– Following the tanker seizures earlier this month, the US has indicated that it is also pursuing a third vessel linked to Venezuela’s oil sector.
– President Trump has publicly declared that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is at the helm of a drug cartel and has accused him of allowing gangs to operate unchecked.
– On December 16, Trump enacted a naval blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters, asserting that the US will either retain or sell the confiscated crude oil and vessels.
US Military Presence and Operations in the Region
– In recent months, the US has escalated its military presence in the Pacific and Caribbean Seas, deploying 15,000 troops along with various aircraft carriers and warships to the region.
– This marks the largest military deployment there since the US invasion of Panama in 1989. The official aim of this buildup is to counteract the trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine into the US.
– US operations have included strikes on what it claims are drug-smuggling vessels linked to Venezuela, resulting in the targeting of over 20 boats and the deaths of at least 100 individuals. Some experts argue that these military actions could violate international laws governing armed conflict.
Venezuela’s Defense at the UN
– During the UN Security Council meeting, Venezuela’s envoy Samuel Moncada asserted that the US actions constitute a blatant violation of international law, demanding that Venezuelans relinquish their sovereignty.
– Moncada referred to the US seizure of oil as “pillaging, looting, and recolonization” of Venezuela, questioning the connection between Venezuela’s oil industry and drug trafficking.
US Response
– US Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, countered Venezuela’s claims by stating that his nation does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
– He argued that Maduro’s authority over the country’s oil resources fuels his fraudulent hold on power and contributes to narco-terrorism.
International Reactions
– Amidst this escalating tension, President Maduro, while visiting a trade fair in Caracas, claimed that the Security Council is showing overwhelming support for Venezuela.
– Russia and China have also condemned the US actions, with the Russian ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accusing the US of “illegally destroying” civilian vessels in the Caribbean Sea and warning that this pattern could lead to similar actions against other Latin American countries.
– China’s envoy, Sun Lei, urged the US to immediately cease its actions and avoid further escalating tensions in the region.
In conclusion, the escalating conflict between Venezuela and the United States over the seizure of oil tankers highlights significant geopolitical tensions. As accusations of extortion and international law violations stack up, the situation remains volatile, with potential repercussions that could extend far beyond the Caribbean.