Venezuela port, refinery operate normally amid US blockade

A major port and refinery are operating normally in northern Venezuela as the United States tightens its oil blockade by intercepting a third tanker in international waters near the country in less than two weeks.

A China Media Group (CMG) reporter on Thursday visited Puerto Cabello, the country's largest commercial port, where oil tankers were seen anchored offshore and refinery operations were continuing as normal.

Located along Venezuela's Caribbean coast, Puerto Cabello accounts for more than 60 percent of the country's public port cargo throughput. It is also a key hub for Venezuela's oil storage, transport, and export.

During the visit, the reporter observed several oil tankers dispersed in nearby waters awaiting port entry or departure, including one vessel positioned close to the shoreline. Smoke was seen rising from a chimney at a coastal refinery, indicating ongoing operations.

Operated by Venezuela's state-run oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the El Palito refinery can process up to 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day at peak capacity, supplying fuel and refined products to central and western parts of the country via pipeline.

Local residents said refinery operations have not been halted despite the challenges posed by U.S. restrictions.

"I know some people who work at companies producing oil derivatives, including PVC. The current restrictions have made it harder for these companies to obtain some raw materials, but their operations remain stable as they are actively seeking alternative supply channels," said Carlos Vidal, a resident.

"Though the impacts are growing, people here do not feel like they are under huge pressure or fear. Everything is normal, so far everything is normal, " said Rosa Olga, another resident.

"Blockade has made the situation more difficult, but we will not back down and will continue working," said William Rodriguez, another resident.

Compared with some of Venezuela's other refineries, El Palito is smaller in scale. It currently processes between 20,000 and 30,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to data released by PDVSA.

"Venezuela's greatest strengths lie in its oil workers and its production capacity. We have already proven capable of overcoming all kinds of extreme difficulties, including technological challenges," said David Paravisini, a former consultant to PDVSA.

Venezuela port, refinery operate normally amid US blockade

Lebanon's Health Ministry said Saturday that Israeli strikes during the latest round of fighting have killed 2,020 people and wounded 6,436 others since hostilities escalated.

The ministry said the toll reflects cumulative casualties recorded across multiple regions amid continued Israeli airstrikes and cross-border exchanges of fire.

On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that Israeli forces engaged in close-range firefights with Hezbollah militants, striking multiple targets and killing several militants while seizing various weapons. In the past 24 hours, the IDF targeted over 200 Hezbollah sites within Lebanon and continued to target Hezbollah rocket launchers to prevent attacks against Israel.

Additionally, the IDF's Home Front Command has tightened public safety guidelines, suspending or limiting educational activities in border communities, Upper Galilee, and Haifa Bay, while also restricting the size of gatherings in those areas.

Hezbollah, in its statement, claimed that its operations in southern Lebanon continued, attacking Israeli tanks and personnel. The group also targeted Israeli military infrastructure, soldiers, and vehicles in northern Israel.

The escalation followed renewed hostilities involving Hezbollah, which said it launched rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel on March 2 for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024. The exchange prompted Israel to expand its military campaign across Lebanon.

Lebanon has since been hit by sustained strikes in several areas, with fighting spreading beyond border regions into other parts of the country.

Iran and the United States agreed to a ceasefire on Wednesday. Israel said it would abide by the truce but argued the agreement does not apply to Lebanon. That assertion was rejected by Iran and by mediator Pakistan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that the disarmament of Hezbollah is a prerequisite for any ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

In a video statement, he said Lebanon had approached Israel several times over the past month seeking to begin direct talks following Israeli military actions.

"I approved this, subject to two conditions: we want to achieve the disarmament of Hezbollah, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations," Netanyahu said.

Death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon reaches 2,020