VENEZUELA’S government has taken out a full-page advertisement in the New York Times, accusing the US of “tyrannical” behaviour and meddling in their affairs as tensions between the two countries reach a chilly new low.

The page seven declaration is addressed to “our American brothers and sisters” and accuses President Obama of trying to govern the country from afar.

“Never before in the history of our nations, has a president of the United States attempted to govern Venezuelans by decree,” it reads.

“It is a tyrannical and imperial order and it pushes us back into the darkest days of the relationship between the US, Latin America and the Caribbean.”

‘EXTRAORDINARY THREAT’

The bold declaration marks a new low in the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained since the election of Hugo Chavez in 2000.

However tension has seriously ramped up in recent months after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered the American embassy in Caracas to cut staff amid fears they were plotting to overthrow him.

On March 9 President Obama signed an executive order placing seven officials under sanctions over human rights abuses at anti-government protests, and called the country an “extraordinary threat to the national security” of the United States.

That prompted a massive military drill of more than 100,000 soldiers, armoured trucks and fighter jets in a huge display of force.

Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the operation was to get troops ready for “their mission” and the country needs to be ready to fight for independence from an “imminent danger”.

‘BASELESS AND FALSE’

The US has denied accusations of trying to start a coup saying they are “baseless and false”. The tactics are also seen as an attempt by President Maduro to divert attention from a deepening economic crisis in the country.

“The United States is not promoting unrest in Venezuela nor are we attempting to undermine Venezuela’s economy or its government,” said White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

“Venezuela’s economic and political problems are the result of the policies of the Venezuelan government. The Venezuelan government should stop attempting to distract attention from the country’s economic and political problems and focus on finding real solutions through democratic dialogue among Venezuelans.”

‘WATCH THE OIL FLOWS’

Australian National University’s Latin American politics expert Sean Burges said despite the chilly relations “Venezuela is not going to invade the US and the US is definitely not going to invade Venezuela.”

“What you need to watch is the oil flows,” he said. “If that gets cut off that’s a game changer.”

The US remains the largest consumer of Venezuelan oil and while they are likely giving “moral support” to opposition leaders in the country, Mr Burges said the current furore is diversionist politics from Mr Maduro.

“The economic system is riddled by corruption, [and] it’s creating massive discontent. It’s a difficult situation for Maduro and he’s [dealing with it by] picking a fight with the US and diverting attention to evil materialist Yankees,” he said.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Latin America, Alex Lee, said legislative elections expected to take place in Venezuela later this year will provide an opportunity to reduce some tension, but said it’s critical to ensure result are credible.

Mr Lee said Venezuela would be a top priority for President Obama when he heads to Panama next month for the Summit of Americas.

However he could have a fight on his hands, as Cuban President Raul Castro and Bolivia’s Evo Morales have recently arrived in Caracas for an emergency meeting to show support for Venezuela’s position.