Washington: US President Donald Trump declared a total blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuelan waters, marking a significant escalation in US-Venezuela tensions. In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump announced the blockade, asserting that Venezuela is encircled by the largest armada ever assembled in South American history. The blockade is set to continue until the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, returns "all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets" according to Trump.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump accused Maduro's administration of utilizing oil revenues to support illegal activities such as drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping. He further noted that Venezuelan nationals in the US are being repatriated swiftly. The US stance has prompted a strong reaction from Venezuela, which condemned the blockade as a breach of international law.
Meanwhile, European members of the UN Security Council have condemned the rising violence by illegal Israeli settlers against Palestinians, with over 260 reported attacks in a month. British Ambassador James Kariuki, representing the E5 nations, highlighted the council's concerns over Israeli settlement activities and their implications for regional stability and the prospects for a two-state solution.
In another development, a newborn baby succumbed to hypothermia in the Gaza Strip amid severe cold and ongoing Israeli aid blockades. The Health Ministry reported the death of two-week-old Muhammad Khalil Abu al-Khair, marking a tragic consequence of the harsh winter storm that claimed 14 lives in the region last week. The blockade restricts entry of essential shelter materials, worsening the humanitarian situation.
In other news, the US designated Colombia's Clan del Golfo as a terrorist organization, while Trkiye's President Erdogan warned against attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea. Additionally, reports indicate that a coup attempt may be underway in Honduras, as President Xiomara Castro calls for national defense of democracy amid uncertain election results.