扣押油轮实施“全面彻底的封锁” 美国对委内瑞拉再施新压

Core Viewpoint - The recent actions by the U.S. government, including the seizure of oil tankers near Venezuela, represent a new strategy to exert pressure on the Maduro regime and showcase U.S. military strength [2][5]. Group 1: U.S. Actions - The U.S. has seized oil tankers in international waters near Venezuela, with the latest seizure occurring on December 10, where the "Captain" tanker was taken and its oil cargo announced for confiscation [3]. - On December 16, President Trump ordered a comprehensive blockade of all oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela that are under U.S. sanctions, indicating a shift to more aggressive economic measures [4]. - The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted the "Century" tanker on December 20, which was not on the sanctions list but was carrying oil from a sanctioned Venezuelan oil company [4]. - The "Bella 1" tanker was also intercepted, but it refused to cooperate with U.S. authorities, leading to ongoing pursuit efforts by the Coast Guard [4]. Group 2: Military and Economic Pressure - The Trump administration has employed multiple strategies over the past six months to undermine the Maduro regime, including military buildup in the Caribbean and accusations against vessels in the region [5][6]. - Despite the lack of significant results from previous military and economic pressures, the U.S. has escalated its efforts by implementing a full blockade of Venezuelan oil exports [6]. - The nomination of General Francis Donovan, with a special operations background, to lead the Southern Command suggests an increased focus on special operations in Latin America [7][8]. Group 3: International Response - Venezuela's National Assembly passed a law on December 23 to protect navigation and trade from what it termed "piracy" and illegal actions, with severe penalties for those involved [10]. - The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at Venezuela's request, where most members called for adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and urged de-escalation of tensions [11]. - Russia condemned the U.S. actions as acts of aggression and warned that such behavior could set a precedent for U.S. actions in other Latin American countries [11]. Group 4: U.S. Rhetoric - U.S. officials have refrained from using the term "blockade," opting for "quarantine" to describe their actions against Venezuelan oil, which reflects a strategic choice in language [12]. - A U.S. official warned that unless Venezuela makes significant concessions, it could face an "economic disaster" by the end of January [13].