The White House has directed US military forces to concentrate primarily on enforcing a “quarantine” of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months. This strategic shift aims to apply economic pressure on the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolás Maduro, according to a US official who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
While military options remain available, the emphasis will be on leveraging sanctions to achieve the desired outcomes, as confirmed by the official in a statement to Reuters. This decision may reduce the immediate likelihood of US land strikes against Venezuela, a possibility that President Donald Trump has previously indicated could occur.
The military’s focus on oil quarantine is rooted in a broader strategy to escalate the economic strain on Venezuela. The official stated that current efforts have already exerted “tremendous pressure” on the Maduro administration, predicting that by late January 2024, the country could face an economic crisis unless it consents to significant concessions to the US.
In recent months, the Trump administration has authorized strikes on vessels in international waters near Venezuela, specifically in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The stated goal of these operations is to combat drug trafficking to the US and intensify pressure on Maduro. Since early September, at least 105 people have been killed in 29 known strikes, raising concerns among US lawmakers and human rights advocates.
Critics argue that the administration has not provided adequate evidence to support claims that the targets of these strikes are indeed involved in drug smuggling. They contend that the fatalities from these operations amount to extrajudicial killings, further complicating the narrative around US military involvement in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the focus on Venezuelan oil and the implications of the US military’s new orders will likely continue to draw international attention. The evolving dynamics underscore the complexities of US foreign policy in Latin America, particularly in relation to economic sanctions and military interventions.
