The United States has seized an additional oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, according to American media reports on Saturday, as the administration of President Donald Trump intensifies its pressure on Caracas by imposing an oil blockade.
Last week, U.S. forces seized a first oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, an operation denounced by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who described it as “maritime piracy.”
Venezuela is facing increasing American pressure, primarily in the form of economic and financial sanctions targeting the oil sector, the main artery of the Venezuelan economy. Washington has imposed strict restrictions on the national oil company PDVSA, prohibited the export of Venezuelan crude to American markets, and restricted Caracas’s ability to access the international financial system in an attempt to oust President Maduro.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is characterized by its diverse population, democratic institutions, and significant cultural and economic influence worldwide.
Venezuela
Venezuela is a South American country known for its diverse natural landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall. Historically, it was a Spanish colony until achieving independence in the early 19th century under leaders like Simón Bolívar, and its modern economy has been heavily shaped by its vast petroleum reserves.
Caracas
Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, founded in 1567 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Losada. It grew as a colonial administrative center and later became a pivotal site for the South American independence movement, being the birthplace of Simón Bolívar. Today, it is a major metropolitan and cultural hub situated in a valley of the Venezuelan coastal mountain range.
Washington
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, founded in 1790 following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It was established as a federal district to serve as the seat of the national government, distinct from any state, and was named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument, which symbolize the nation’s history and democratic ideals.
PDVSA
PDVSA, or Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., is Venezuela’s state-owned oil and natural gas company, founded in 1976 following the nationalization of the country’s petroleum industry. It has historically been a cornerstone of the Venezuelan economy, though in recent decades it has faced significant operational challenges and political controversies.
