Hundreds of Chavistas are protesting this Saturday in Caracas and regions like Sucre and Monagas over the confiscation of an oil tanker in waters near Venezuela. The demonstrators reject what they call U.S. interference, against the backdrop of Washington’s military deployment in the Caribbean against drug trafficking.
Marches in the capital and the northeast of the country
In the capital, government sympathizers gathered at various points for short marches. Chavistas are protesting with slogans of patriotic defense. In Sucre and Monagas, similar gatherings were reported by Venezolana de Televisión. Lisbeth Silva, a doctor in the Militia in Petare, stated: “I am willing to give my life for my homeland.” Grisel Aponte, 64, added: “We tell Trump not to mess with the oil, because it is ours.”
Details of the confiscation of an oil tanker
The Skipper case and background
On Tuesday, the U.S. intercepted the oil tanker Skipper, sailing under a false flag off the Venezuelan coast. A judge ordered the action due to past ties with sanctioned Iranian crude smuggling. It was carrying 1.9 million barrels of PDVSA crude, with no clear destination. The Venezuelan government calls it “blatant theft” and laments the disappearance of crew members. The White House speaks of a legal process.
This event worsens the tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Historically, Washington’s sanctions since 2017 have blocked PDVSA exports, affecting oil revenues that account for 90% of Venezuelan foreign exchange, according to OPEC data. The mayor of Caracas, Carmen Meléndez, warned of a “moment of daily siege” on sovereignty.
Context of tensions between Venezuela and the United States
International relations experts point out that operations like this respond to laws such as the Caesar Act of 2020, which tightens measures against Chavismo. In 2023, the U.S. seized other similar vessels, which Caracas denounced at the UN. The Chavistas’ protests reinforce the official narrative of resistance. PDVSA produces about 800,000 barrels per day, down from the one million pre-sanctions, impacting the economy.
- Chavistas are protesting in Petare and central squares.
- Confiscation of an oil tanker: 1.9 million barrels affected.
- Denounced interference raises tensions between Venezuela and the United States.
This episode underscores disputes over energy resources. The Chavistas are protesting for oil sovereignty, while diplomatic frictions persist.
