Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Venezuela’s Maduro
Trump warns Maduro against playing “tough” as the United States intensifies its pressure campaign on Venezuela by targeting sanctioned oil tankers. As Trump warns Maduro, Washington has stepped up maritime enforcement in the Caribbean, signaling a sharper stance against the Caracas government.
US Escalates Maritime Pressure Campaign
Speaking alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump said he remains ready to further escalate the four-month campaign against Caracas. Initially framed as an effort to curb illegal drug trafficking, the operation has expanded into broader economic and strategic pressure.
Coast Guard Chases Venezuelan ‘Shadow Fleet’
Trump’s warning followed renewed action by the United States Coast Guard, which continued pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker described by the White House as part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet.” US officials say the tanker is sailing under a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order.
Previous Tanker Seizures Highlight Crackdown
The chase marks the third such pursuit in recent weeks. On Saturday, US authorities seized a Panama-flagged tanker named Centuries, and earlier this month another vessel, Skipper, was intercepted with support from the Navy. Trump has repeatedly described these actions as part of an effective “blockade” of Venezuelan oil shipments.
Trump Demands Return of Seized US Assets
Last week, Trump also demanded that Venezuela return assets seized from US oil companies years ago. He reiterated that Maduro’s hold on power is weakening and said the pressure campaign would continue until meaningful change occurs in Caracas.
Homeland Security Says Actions Send Global Message
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said targeting tankers sends a clear warning worldwide. She stated that the US would not tolerate what it calls illegal activity by the Maduro government and would act to protect American interests.
Russia Begins Evacuating Diplomatic Families
Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has begun evacuating families of diplomats from Venezuela, according to a European intelligence official. While Moscow denied closing its embassy, it did not deny evacuations, describing the situation as increasingly serious.
Caracas Pushes Back Against US Actions
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned US actions as piracy and said Russia continues to support Venezuela against the blockade. Venezuela’s National Assembly has also moved to criminalise cooperation with foreign seizure efforts.
Economic Strain Visible on Venezuelan Coast
Despite the tensions, daily life continues near Venezuelan refineries. Residents near El Palito noted a sharp decline in tanker traffic and worsening economic hardship, highlighting how sanctions and enforcement actions are reshaping the country’s oil-dependent economy. Follow for more updates, FM News.
