Venezuela has formally accused the United States of “maritime piracy” after a Venezuelan oil shipment was seized in international waters, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In a letter submitted to the United Nations Security Council, the government of President Nicolás Maduro said U.S. military forces boarded a private vessel on the high seas, detained its crew and confiscated a cargo of Venezuelan oil. Caracas said the shipment was part of a legitimate commercial transaction conducted in accordance with international law.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, in a letter addressed to Slovenia’s United Nations ambassador Samuel Žbogar, who currently chairs the Security Council, described the incident as part of a broader pattern of “coercion and aggression” by Washington, enforced through what he called unilateral and unlawful measures.
The letter cited Article 101 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which defines piracy, arguing that the seizure constituted a violation of international rules governing freedom of navigation and lawful maritime trade.
Venezuela demanded the immediate release of the detained crew, the return of the seized oil and an end to what it described as interference in its legitimate trade. It also called on the Security Council to condemn the incident, take steps to safeguard maritime navigation and clarify that no UN resolution authorises such actions against Venezuela or its oil exports.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington, as the United States continues to increase pressure on Venezuela, including through expanded military deployments in the Caribbean.
U.S. authorities have defended the seizure, saying vessels involved are part of an illicit shipping network used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, which Washington alleges supports foreign terrorist organisations.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, acc...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citi...
The 83rd Venice Film Festival has opened on the Lido, bringing Hollywood stars and leading filmmakers together for a programme dominated by war, po...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
Thousands of residents of Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the government’s handling of a migration crisis that followed a deadly border surge in July.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Southern Chinese provinces were bracing for more torrential rain on Friday after Typhoon Saudel triggered severe flooding, swamping vehicles, collapsing at least one building and forcing mass evacuations.
President Donald Trump is leaving more than a paper trail from his time in office. The U.S. is now minting commemorative $1 coins for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a portrait of the sitting president.
Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China's Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing's objections to Taiwan's presence.
China’s southern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong are bracing for more torrential rain after Typhoon Saudel triggered widespread flooding, swept away vehicles and caused a three-storey building to collapse.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment