Venezuela’s Explosive Christmas Eve Message As Trump Triggers Oil Blockade

Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved a sweeping new law aimed at protecting navigation and commerce after recent seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers by U.S. forces in the Caribbean. Lawmakers framed the move as a defence of national sovereignty amid what they describe as an escalating economic and maritime blockade. The legislation criminalises piracy, illegal boardings and blockades in Venezuelan waters, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The vote follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration branding Venezuela a “foreign terrorist organisation” and ordering a full blockade of sanctioned oil shipments. Russia and China backed Caracas at the UN.