Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday requested assistance from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) in combating what he called the US “direct aggression,” which jeopardises Caracas’ oil output and the stability of global markets.
Maduro’s call for help came in a letter to OPEC+, amid US bombings against ships in the Caribbean, a massive military deployment a few kilometres from his shores, and the total closure of airspace ordered by Washington.
According to Caracas, the increase in US military operations in the Caribbean constitutes a “violation of international law” and threatens global energy stability.
The government of Nicolás Maduro maintains that the US actions seek to “destabilise” the country and affect its export capacity. Venezuela called on OPEC+ members to show solidarity in the face of what it considers an escalation that, if prolonged, could “seriously endanger the stability of Venezuelan oil production and the world market”.
Flight suspension leaves thousands of passengers in limbo
The Venezuelan letter came during the second OPEC+ ministerial conference.
The letter, which called for political and diplomatic support from the producers’ group, came shortly after the US ordered the airspace over Venezuela and surrounding areas to be “closed in its entirety,” a move that forced international airlines to suspend flights, cancelled commercial routes, and left thousands of passengers in limbo.
Caracas responded by activating an emergency plan to facilitate the return of citizens stranded abroad and accused Washington of creating a de facto blockade.
Several Latin American governments, including Colombia’s, led by Gustavo Petro, have expressed concern about the escalation and recommended resorting to international mediation to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Analysts warn that if the tension continues, Venezuela could face an aggravated humanitarian crisis and the world oil market a new wave of volatility.