Press Releases: The United States Sanctions Venezuela’s Defense and Security Sector
Media Note
Today, the United States took action against the former Maduro regime for increasing its intimidation of those supporting democracy in Venezuela, including members of the democratically elected National Assembly. Pursuant to E.O. 13850, the United States determined persons operating in the defense and security sector of the Venezuelan economy may be subject to sanctions.
In addition, we have designated two companies, Monsoon Navigation Corporation and Serenity Maritime Limited, that operate in the oil sector. We have also identified two vessels that transported oil from Venezuela to Cuba as blocked property.
The Venezuelan people continue to suffer at the hands of this despotic regime, aided in no small part by Cuba and Russia. Cuban forces provide intelligence and physical security to help oppress the Venezuelan people. Russian military personnel and companies operate in the defense and security sector. The Maduro regime’s latest cowardly gambit – the arbitrary detention of National Assembly First Vice President Edgar Zambrano – is illegal and inexcusable.
We call on all actors within the defense and security sector to protect and defend the rights of all Venezuelans.
Today’s determination allows the United States to take action against the malign actors that are impeding the will of the courageous Venezuelan people, who demand democracy. The United States continues to stand with them, their interim President Juan Guaido, and the National Assembly, as they work to peacefully restore constitutional order and prosperity to their country.