Trump Has Decided To "strangle" Maduro With An Oil Blockade

That said, military options are still on the table.

The White House has instructed the US military to focus on the so-called "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil over the next two months. This is reported by Reuters citing a knowledgeable source. He said Washington intends to increase economic pressure on Caracas, including through sanctions, with military options "still on the table."

The agency source noted that the US believes: by the end of January, Venezuela could face a serious economic crisis if it does not make significant concessions to the US side.

In mid-December, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of all oil tankers hit by sanctions and traveling to or from Venezuela. He also announced his intention to build up a military presence around the Latin American country until Caracas returns "oil, land and other stolen assets."

The US military then seized two oil tankers, the Skipper and the Centuries, off the coast of Venezuela. The crew of the third vessel, the Bella 1, prevented the US military from boarding it, but the pursuit of the tanker continues. Trump said the U.S. intends to keep the confiscated oil from the seizure of the vessels.

"Maybe we'll sell it. Maybe use it in strategic reserves. We are keeping it. The ships too," the White House chief said.

In response to the US actions, Venezuela began withdrawing oil tankers from its ports under the protection of the navy.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com