"Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez accused the United States of plotting to seize the country's massive oil reserves, warning that Washington may resort to force. Speaking at OPEC's second ministerial conference on Sunday, Rodriguez also claimed that President Donald Trump is deliberately escalating tensions with Caracas. "The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has been carrying out a campaign of harassment and threats against Venezuela that clearly endangers peace, security and regional stability," Rodriguez said while reading a statement signed by President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan Minister of Petroleum added that this so-called 'harassment' campaign is evident in the US military presence in the Caribbean and over 20 reported bombings of small vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Rodriguez also reiterated Maduro's appeal to OPEC to intervene against what he described as escalating threats from the US - the actions that, he warned, could undermine both economic stability and the balance of the global oil market for producers and consumers alike. Tensions further spiked on Saturday after Donald Trump urged international airlines via social media to 'consider that the airspace "over Venezuela and its surroundings will remain completely closed," a move that drew sharp criticism from Maduro's government. Washington has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean since September, in what it says is an effort to curb drug trafficking towards US shores.  Critics, including UN officials and human rights organisations, warn that any military action could constitute an unlawful use of force under international law.  Caracas repeatedly denied the allegations and urged Washington to halt its military actions in the Caribbean."