The Venezuelan government has denounced US President Donald Trump’s oil blockade, stating that his rhetoric is “interventionist and colonialist” and proves Washington’s long-standing plan to seize the country’s natural resources. In a statement released on Tuesday, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Trump’s remarks revealed the “true intention” of the United States: to take control of Venezuela’s oil, land, and minerals.
The government rejected Trump’s claim that Venezuela had “stolen” assets from the US, and accused the president of violating international law, free trade, and freedom of navigation. The US has ordered its naval forces in the Caribbean to prevent “sanctioned tankers” from entering or leaving Venezuelan waters, which Venezuela sees as a naval military blockade aimed at robbing the country of its natural resources.
According to Rodriguez, the US has always sought to dominate Venezuela economically and politically, regardless of changes in administration. The government stated that it would exercise its rights under international law, its constitution, and the UN Charter, reaffirming its sovereignty over its natural resources and its right to free navigation and commerce.
The US military has killed over 80 people in attacks on alleged cartel boats since September, which Trump claimed were being used by the Venezuelan government to “flood” America with narcotics. Venezuela has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and said the strikes were part of a regime change plot to plunder the country’s natural resources.
The Venezuelan government has emphasized that it will not be intimidated by the US and will defend its sovereignty and natural resources. The country’s statement said, “Venezuela will never again be a colony of an empire or any foreign power.” The situation remains tense, with the US and Venezuela at odds over the blockade and the country’s natural resources. The international community is watching the situation closely, as it has significant implications for global trade and diplomacy.
