U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Venezuelan Oil Tanker Amid Escalating Tensions
URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, signaling an escalation in operations against vessels linked to the Venezuelan government. This pursuit, confirmed by a U.S. official, follows the recent seizure of a Panama-flagged tanker, underscoring the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to disrupt Venezuela’s oil operations.
On Sunday, the Coast Guard targeted what officials described as a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” involved in illegal sanctions evasion. The vessel was reportedly flying a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order. This operation marks a significant continuation of the U.S. crackdown on maritime traffic connected to Venezuelan oil exports.
The latest developments come after the December 10 seizure of another tanker, the “Skipper,” which was operating without a national flag. This vessel was also part of what the U.S. describes as Venezuela’s shadow fleet, crucial for transporting sanctioned cargo. The administration previously announced the seizure of the “Centuries” on Saturday, with officials labeling it part of a broader strategy against illicit Venezuelan oil trafficking.
President Trump has ramped up his rhetoric against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, declaring that his government’s days are numbered. Following the initial seizure, Trump vowed to implement a “blockade” on maritime traffic to and from Venezuela, intensifying the confrontation between the two nations.
Venezuela’s government swiftly condemned these military actions as “criminal,” asserting it would not allow them to go unpunished and plans to file complaints with the United Nations Security Council. This response highlights the growing tensions and potential international fallout from the U.S. operations.
The U.S. Coast Guard, with support from the Navy, has also been instructed to target vessels allegedly smuggling fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States. Since early September, at least 104 people have died in 28 known strikes against these vessels, drawing global criticism for what many human rights groups label as illegal extrajudicial killings.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely. The ongoing pursuit of the tanker is not just a matter of law enforcement; it represents a significant geopolitical clash with implications that could resonate far beyond the Caribbean.
Next steps: The Coast Guard’s operations are expected to continue, with further announcements likely as the situation unfolds. As tensions rise, the potential for increased confrontations at sea remains a pivotal concern for both U.S. and Venezuelan authorities. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
