In Venezuela, the cyberattack on PDVSA was described as state terrorism

U.S. sources suggest that a large-scale cyberattack on Venezuela’s state oil and gas company PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela S.A.), which occurred in December, may have been carried out by the United States. This was reported by former U.S. officials and cybersecurity specialists who analyzed the nature and consequences of the incident.

According to their assessments, the attack showed signs of a preplanned operation and was aimed at destabilizing the functioning of the country’s key oil infrastructure. Experts note that such a level of technical complexity is available only to a limited number of states and point to a possible role of the U.S. Armed Forces Cyber Command.

At Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. and in the country’s official circles, the incident was characterized as a form of state terrorism and an element of coercive pressure. Authorities in Caracas stated that such actions go beyond the framework of sanctions policy and represent the deliberate destruction of vital infrastructure.

The authorities emphasize that the consequences of such attacks are not limited to technical disruptions. Disruption of the oil sector affects budget revenues, the financing of social programs, and fuel supplies, ultimately impacting the ordinary population.