Trump Labels Venezuela Regime Terror Group, Orders Oil Blockade

The United States has sharply escalated pressure on Venezuela after President Donald Trump declared the Maduro regime a “Foreign Terrorist Organisation” and announced a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. The move signals a major intensification of Washington’s strategy against Caracas, directly targeting the backbone of Venezuela’s economy and deepening geopolitical tensions in the region.

Blockade of Oil Tankers Announced

President Trump stated that the US would impose a “total and complete blockade” on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The announcement follows the recent seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast by US forces, alongside a visible military buildup in the Caribbean. Trump accused the Venezuelan government of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and criminal networks, asserting that the blockade would remain until US demands were met.

Military Buildup and Enforcement Strategy

The US Navy currently has extensive assets deployed in the region, including an aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships, and maritime patrol aircraft. These forces provide the capability to monitor and intercept marine traffic linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The blockade forms part of a broader campaign that has included strikes on vessels in international waters, actions the administration claims are aimed at disrupting drug routes.

Controversial Terrorist Designation

Trump’s statement that the “Venezuelan Regime” has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organisation has raised legal and diplomatic questions. Traditionally, FTO status is reserved for non-state actors, not sovereign governments. Venezuela is not listed by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism, making the declaration highly unusual. Analysts note that previous exceptions, such as the designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, were rare and legally contentious.

What to Note for Exams?

• Foreign Terrorist Organisation status is typically applied to non-state actors.
• Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
• About 80% of Venezuela’s oil exports reportedly go to China.
• US oil sanctions on Venezuela have been in place since 2017.

Economic Impact and Maduro’s Response

Venezuela produces around one million barrels of oil per day, with exports forming the lifeline of its economy. US sanctions have already forced the country to rely on discounted black-market sales and unflagged tankers. President Nicolas Maduro dismissed the latest US actions, claiming Venezuela has withstood sustained external pressure and vowed to defend national sovereignty. The blockade is expected to further strain Venezuela’s economy while increasing regional instability.