The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, reported this Thursday the disappearance of the crew of a Venezuelan oil tanker that was intercepted by the military forces of the United States. Maduro called this an act of piracy and stated that it has generated rejection at the national and international level.
From Caracas, the head of state maintained that the vessel, dedicated to international trade, was boarded “like Caribbean pirates” in an operation carried out by the United States in waters located north of Trinidad and Tobago, heading towards the islands of Grenada.
The Venezuelan government accuses the U.S. of attempting to seize Venezuelan oil. Maduro assured that the vessel was transporting 1,900,000 barrels of crude oil legally acquired in Venezuela and destined for international markets.
“The crew of that vessel are kidnapped, they are missing, nobody knows where they are,” he stated.
According to the president, the military operation confirms that Washington's objective is “to seize Venezuelan oil,” and he warned that this type of action is part of an escalation that threatens regional stability.
The head of state also reported that a survey conducted in recent hours indicates that 96% of Venezuelans repudiate the kidnapping, assault, and theft of the ship, which, in his opinion, reflects a national consensus against the aggression reported.
Maduro pointed out that he has instructed immediate actions on a diplomatic level and affirmed that Venezuela “is going to secure all vessels” to guarantee the free trade of its oil in the international market.
Finally, he warned that some sectors in the United States “want a war,” although he reiterated that Venezuela will maintain a peaceful stance, in defense of its sovereignty and natural resources.
