Trump states US to hold into oil, ships seized off coast of Venezuela
Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the confiscated oil could be sold, retained, or possibly added to the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve. “We’re going to keep it… Maybe we will sell it, maybe we will keep it. Maybe we’ll use it in the Strategic Reserves. We’re keeping the ships also,” he stated.
Last Tuesday, Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Amid rising tensions in the Caribbean, US forces were reportedly pursuing another tanker in international waters near Venezuela on Sunday. If intercepted, it would be the third tanker seized in the region since December 10.
Trump also claimed the US has sharply reduced maritime drug trafficking, saying sea-based drug smuggling into the country has fallen by 96.2%. He added that similar enforcement efforts would soon be expanded on land, which he described as “much easier.”
“We save 25,000 lives every single time we knock out a boat,” Trump said. “It’s over 96% stopped by sea. Now we’re trying to figure out who the other 4% are.” He warned that those attempting to bring drugs into the US over land would face severe consequences.
The president accused Venezuela of acting aggressively toward the United States, claiming it had sent criminals, prisoners, and drug traffickers northward. When asked why Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should take his threats seriously, Trump said the US had assembled “a massive armada, the biggest we’ve ever had,” warning that any further defiance would have serious consequences.
Trump also issued a warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing Colombia of hosting drug production facilities. “He’s no friend to the United States,” Trump said, alleging that cocaine produced in Colombia is being sent into the US.
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