美国频频拦截扣留油轮 委内瑞拉出台“反海盗法”

Core Viewpoint - Venezuela has enacted a "Counter-Piracy Law" to protect its sovereignty and freedom of navigation in response to the U.S. intercepting and detaining oil tankers in international waters [1][2]. Group 1: Legislative Actions - The Venezuelan National Assembly unanimously passed a law on December 23, 2023, aimed at protecting navigation and trade from piracy and other illegal international actions, imposing penalties of up to 20 years in prison for those involved in such activities [2]. - The law is intended to provide legal protection for Venezuela's navigation freedom, trade, and sovereign interests [2]. Group 2: U.S. Actions and Responses - The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean, including aircraft carrier strike groups, and has conducted multiple operations against alleged drug trafficking vessels linked to Venezuela, resulting in numerous casualties [2]. - The U.S. claims that the Venezuelan government supports drug trafficking organizations, which justifies its military actions and sanctions against Venezuela [2]. Group 3: International Reactions - During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, the U.S. representative labeled Venezuela as an "unusual threat," while representatives from Venezuela and Russia accused the U.S. of aggression and extortion [1][3]. - Russia condemned the U.S. actions as illegal blockades and a clear act of aggression, asserting that such actions threaten the entire Latin American region [4].