News - World: The Venezuelan president has condemned Washington's repeated threats of using force against Caracas, warning that the US plans to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves through military force.

Nicolas Maduro made the remarks in a letter to the Secretary General and member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.

“Venezuela formally denounces before this body that the government of the United States of America intends to take control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the largest on the planet, through the use of lethal military force against the territory, the people, and the institutions of the country,” he said.

“This claim not only contradicts the provisions governing peaceful coexistence between nations, but also seriously endangers the stability of Venezuelan oil production and the world market."

In his letter, Maduro asserted that Venezuela will remain firm in the defense of its natural and energy resources and will not succumb to any type of blackmail or threat.

His letter came after US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that the Venezuelan airspace would be completely shut down.

Trump has repeatedly threatened that US strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have killed more than 80 people, could develop into land action in the South American country.

However, he has also reportedly held a call with Maduro and discussed a possible US visit by the Venezuelan president.

OPEC member Venezuela's oil production has stabilized around 1.1 million barrels per day this year, less than a third of its all-time high in the late 1990s.

More than 80% of exports were shipped to China between June and October, according to shipping data.

Maduro’s government has struggled to lure foreign investment in the country's oilfields amid US sanctions.

Source: Press TV