The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Venezuela blockade: Venezuela’s government has ordered its Navy to escort ships carrying petroleum products from port, escalating the risk of a confrontation with the United States after President Trump ordered a “blockade” aimed at the country’s oil industry. Read more ›

U.S. President Donald Trump's announced blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil could lead to shortages of food, fuel, and other basic goods.

Gold steadied near a record high, as investors tracked mounting tensions in Venezuela and waited for US inflation data.

This is Washington's latest move to increase pressure on Nicolas Maduro's government, targeting its main source of income.