US Forces Plan to Restrict Venezuelan Oil Access

The White House has directed US military forces to concentrate on enforcing the “quarantine” of Venezuelan oil for the next two months, prioritizing economic pressure through sanctions over military action, according to a US official. This strategy aims to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with expectations of an economic crisis in Venezuela by late January unless concessions are made. The administration’s strikes on vessels in international waters have resulted in at least 105 deaths since September, facing criticism for lacking evidence of targeting drug smugglers.

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