Trump orders blockade of ‘sanctioned’ Venezuela oil tankers

Key Points

• US President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela.
• The move escalates US pressure on Venezuela targeting its crucial oil sector and access to oil assets.
• Trump claims Venezuela's regime is a designated foreign terrorist organization linked to drug trafficking and other crimes.
• The US military operation in the Caribbean aims to combat drug trafficking but is perceived by Caracas as an effort to oust Maduro and steal Venezuelan oil.