The Venezuelan government has expressed strong opposition to the US announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers arriving at or departing from the country. The move, announced by US President Donald Trump, is seen as a significant escalation of pressure against Caracas and poses a substantial threat to Venezuela’s economy.

According to a statement from the government of President Nicolas Maduro, the blockade aims to “steal the riches that belong to our homeland” in an “utterly irrational manner.” The US has been building up its military presence in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Latin America, with a particular focus on Venezuela.

The blockade will target “sanctioned oil vessels” traveling to and from Venezuela, marking a sharp increase in pressure on the country. The US has been imposing sanctions on Venezuela for months, and this latest move is likely to have significant economic implications for the country.

Venezuela has been facing economic challenges, and the blockade is expected to exacerbate the situation. The US has been seeking to increase pressure on the Venezuelan government, with the aim of gaining access to the country’s crude oil reserves. The blockade is the latest in a series of measures taken by the US to achieve this goal.

The situation in Venezuela remains complex, with the US maintaining a significant military presence in the region. The blockade has sparked a strong reaction from the Venezuelan government, which views the move as an attempt to undermine its sovereignty. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what impact the blockade will have on Venezuela’s economy and the broader region. The US has stated that its goal is to combat drug trafficking and support regional stability, but the blockade is likely to have far-reaching consequences for Venezuela and its people.