Their Masks Were Torn Off: Venezuela to Respond to the USA, Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addressed the incidents of attacks on oil tankers by the United States during a public speech. According to him, these occurrences reveal the true attitude of the United States towards Venezuela.

Maduro stated that the actions of the American side cannot be justified under the pretext of combating terrorism or drug trafficking. He emphasized that the incident, in his assessment, was illegal and contradicted international norms.

According to the Venezuelan president, the commercial ship was blocked by military personnel, its crew was held under control through the use of force, and the ship was diverted from its route. “Their masks were completely torn off. Venezuela strongly condemns this and will undertake all legal and diplomatic measures to protect its ships and ensure the free trade of its oil,” Maduro noted.

It is worth mentioning that earlier, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt stated that the United States was simply following its sanctions laws when seizing the ship near Venezuela's shores.