U.S. Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tankers and Counter-Narcotics Designation, Lukashenko Indicates Maduro Would Be Welcome In Belarus

LATIN AMERICA - United States actions toward Venezuela include the announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers and an executive designation classifying illicit fentanyl and precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction. These measures align with enforcement efforts against designated entities. President Donald J. Trump announced a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers on December 16. An executive order issued December 15 classified illicit fentanyl and precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko indicated in a December 16 interview that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro would be welcome in Belarus while advocating dialogue with the United States.