Trump declares Maduro's government terrorist, imposes blockade on oil tankers

US President Donald Trump announced that he is ordering a "total and comprehensive" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers heading to or from Venezuela, after declaring the government of President Nicolas Maduro a foreign terrorist organization, reports BBC.

Trump accused the Maduro regime of stealing US property, terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking, stating that the proceeds from "stolen oil" are used to finance narco-terrorism, murders and kidnappings. In the announcement, he said that Venezuela "will not escape a shock like it has never experienced before", and that all assets must be "immediately returned" to the United States.

The announcement came seven days after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The government in Caracas called Trump's decision a "grotesque threat", while President Maduro accused Washington of "kidnapping the crew" and "stealing the ship".

A day earlier, the White House confirmed the seizure of the tanker Skipper, stating that it was involved in an illegal oil delivery and that it would be taken to a US port.

Ahead of the seizure, the US significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford. Washington has been exerting strong pressure on the Maduro government through sanctions for years, and last week new measures were introduced against additional ships and individuals linked to the Venezuelan regime.

The blockade decision sparked sharp reactions in the US as well. Congressman Joaquin Castro stated that it is an "unquestionable act of war" and announced a vote on a resolution that would order Trump to cease hostilities with Venezuela.