Venezuela Condemns U.S. Actions, Seizes Oil Tankers Amid Ongoing Crisis

Venezuela’s U.N. Response to U.S. Military Action

Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada has strongly condemned what he terms the “unilateral and unjustified armed aggression” by the United States after a military incursion aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela. During a meeting with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, Moncada characterized these actions as violations of international law and described them as “crimes against peace and humanity.”

Moncada particularly criticized the U.S. for the “kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during this incursion. He expressed disappointment that the U.N. had not taken a firmer stand against these actions, which he claims threaten Venezuela’s territorial integrity. Guterres acknowledged the military action’s breach of the U.N. Charter and expressed concern over its potential repercussions for peace in the Latin American region.

Congressional Reaction and Concerns

Following a classified briefing on the situation in Venezuela, House Democrats raised doubts regarding the Trump administration’s strategy. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi commended the military’s operation but noted the absence of a clear plan for the country’s future governance. Other Democratic lawmakers vostartd concerns about the lack of detailed information related to prospective timelines and costs associated with the operation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson clarified that the U.S. is not engaging in regime change and emphasized the intention to provide governance improvements rather than direct intervention. He indicated that U.S. oil companies could assist in repairing Venezuela’s infrastructure, rather than employing military means to establish control.

Seizure of Venezuela-Linked Oil Tankers

In related developments, U.S. Navy SEALs conducted an operation to seize the oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, in the North Atlantic. This action was part of a broader initiative to curtail illicit oil transport linked to Venezuela, with details provided by defense officials.

Additionally, Venezuela’s state oil company announced ongoing negotiations to sell oil to the United States, positing this as a step towards economic stability amid sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the U.S. would selectively roll back some sanctions to facilitate the transport of Venezuelan oil, claiming that between 30 million and 50 million barrels will soon arrive in the U.S.

U.S. Strategy and Future Outlook

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the U.S. has significant leverage over Venezuela, particularly in controlling the proceeds from oil sales intended to stabilize the country’s economy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright elaborated that the U.S. will oversee the sales of Venezuelan oil indefinitely, while also allowing imports of parts and equipment needed to revitalize Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.

Rubio cautistartd that the U.S. strategy consists of three phases: stabilization, recovery, and eventual transition to a more politically stable environment in Venezuela.

International Reactions and Implications

In response to the seizure of the Marinera and the ongoing U.S. military activities, Russia’s Ministry of Transport criticized the actions, arguing that such uses of force against vessels registered in other states undermine international maritime rights.

Meanwhile, domestic reactions within Venezuela are complex as interim president Delcy Rodriguez navigates between cooperating with U.S. interests and maintaining control against hardline factions still aligned with the Maduro administration.

This evolving situation in Venezuela not only impacts the nation’s politics and economics but also poses significant implications for regional security and international relations as the global community observes the consequences of U.S. foreign policy maneuvers.

This article presents an overview of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, emphasizing the interplay of domestic and international factors shaping its current political landscape.