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THE Venezuelan government fired back at the US over President Donald Trump's announcement on December 16 of a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

In response to the announcement, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez issued a statement on Telegram at 11.10 pm on December 16, rejecting Trump's "grotesque threat" and reaffirming Venezuela's commitment to defending its sovereignty and natural resources.

The two-page statement accused Trump of launching a "reckless and grave threat" against the Bolivarian, which it added violates international law, free trade, and free navigation.