Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro vowed this week to defend national stability amid escalating tensions with the U.S., calling recent oil tanker interceptions "acts of piracy." The remarks follow reports of a third tanker pursuit by U.S. forces near Venezuelan waters this month. 🚢💥
Maduro accused Washington of "psychological terrorism" and sanctions evasion tactics, claiming Venezuela has endured 25 weeks of aggression. Oil exports—critical to Venezuela’s economy—are now at the center of the crisis, with over a dozen sanctioned tankers reportedly stranded in its waters.
U.S. officials confirmed seizing two tankers since December 10, including the Panamanian-flagged Centuries, alleging ties to Venezuela’s state oil company. President Donald Trump’s December 16 order to block sanctioned vessels further intensified the standoff. 🔥
Venezuela condemns the moves as part of a broader U.S. "regime change" strategy in Latin America. With 2025 marking a year of heightened geopolitical friction, young professionals and travelers are watching closely as energy markets brace for ripple effects. 📉🌐
