Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appealed to OPEC+ member states for coordinated support amid escalating U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, warning that Washington’s actions pose a direct threat to Venezuela’s oil production and could destabilize global energy markets.

Maduro’s call came in a formal letter addressed to OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais and shared publicly by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil. The letter cautioned that continued U.S. military presence and maneuvers near Venezuelan territory risk disrupting crude output, undermining regional security, and upsetting international supply balances.

According to Caracas, recent U.S.-imposed airspace restrictions have already caused significant disruption, forcing international airlines to cancel flights and leaving thousands of Venezuelan travelers stranded abroad. The Venezuelan government condemned the situation as a de facto blockade and announced emergency measures to repatriate affected citizens.

The rising tensions have prompted concern across Latin America. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and other regional leaders urged diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation, emphasizing the need for international mediation to avoid a wider crisis.

Energy analysts say Venezuela’s oil sector—already weakened by years of sanctions, infrastructure deficiencies, and economic pressures—is particularly vulnerable to additional external threats. Any further disruption, they warn, could increase volatility in global crude prices and affect key Caribbean trade routes.

Maduro argued that U.S. military activities constitute a violation of international law and directly undermine Venezuela’s sovereign right to protect and manage its energy resources. He urged OPEC+ countries to recognize the seriousness of the threat and coordinate actions to safeguard stability in the global oil market.

Experts note that the situation requires close monitoring, as any deterioration in U.S.–Venezuela relations could trigger a new wave of regional instability with potential global market implications. Latin American governments’ calls for mediation reflect a growing concern that the dispute could evolve into a broader diplomatic confrontation. (ILKHA)