Maduro: Washington Wants to Control Venezuela's Oil

SadaNews - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the United States of seeking to control the oil reserves in his country by increasing its military presence in the Caribbean region.

In a message to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Sunday, Maduro stated that Washington wants "to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the largest on the planet, through deadly military force."

He considered this threat to endanger "peace, security, and regional and international stability," and poses risks to Venezuelan production and the international oil market.

In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric and actions against the South American country.

The United States has deployed additional forces in the Caribbean and redeployed the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Mediterranean to the region, accompanied by other warships and long-range bombers.

According to the U.S. government, the mission aims to combat drug traffickers. U.S. officials claim that more than 80 people have already been killed in strikes on alleged drug boats.

Maduro stated that the United States has mobilized 15,000 troops and 14 warships in the Caribbean region, a figure that matches reports from U.S. media. His message comes a day after Trump called for the Venezuelan airspace to be considered closed.

Amid rising tensions, there has been speculation that an attack on targets in Venezuela may be imminent, alongside questions about whether the U.S. government may seek to change the regime in Caracas.

The United States does not recognize Maduro as a legitimate president, and like the European Union and many Latin American countries, it questions the official outcome of the 2024 presidential elections, which were accompanied by allegations of fraud.

The United States also accuses Venezuela of bringing lethal drugs into the country, a charge that Venezuela denies.

OPEC includes 12 members, including Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. Maduro also directed his message to OPEC+, a coalition that includes other major producers such as Russia.