“Venezuela Demands Respect!”

Hours after Trinidad and Tobago announced it had approved U.S. military aircraft to transit through its airports, Venezuela accused the country of involvement in the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and announced the termination of all energy agreements.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has previously praised U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking, defended the decision. She said her government supports cooperation with international partners to improve safety and security at home and across the region.

In a statement released by the Venezuelan government, officials accused Trinidad and Tobago of being involved in what they described as the “theft” of Venezuelan oil. The claim refers to the December 10 seizure of the oil tanker Skipper by U.S. forces. The ship was allegedly transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela.

“This act of piracy constitutes a serious violation of international law,” the statement read, adding that Persad‑Bissessar had “revealed a hostile agenda against Venezuela” since taking office.

President Nicolás Maduro has now denounced the Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation and ordered the immediate termination of all contracts and negotiations for the supply of natural gas to Trinidad and Tobago.

“Venezuela demands respect! And it will not allow any colonial entity and its vassals to threaten the sacred sovereignty of the country and its right to development,” the statement said.

The diplomatic fallout comes amid escalating U.S. military activity in the region. On Monday, the U.S. Southern Command confirmed three more strikes on alleged drug boats in the Eastern Pacific, killing eight. ABC News reports that the Trump administration has now carried out 25 lethal strikes in four months, resulting in at least 95 deaths.