US Targets Maduro’s Family and 6 Oil Tankers in New Sanctions
The United States has intensified its sanctions against Venezuela, focusing on President Nicolas Maduro’s family and the country’s oil sector. The new sanctions target three nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores and six oil tankers associated with unlawful shipping practices.
Recent Sanctions Overview
On a recent Thursday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on:
- Franqui Flores
- Efrain Antonio Campo Flores
- Carlos Erik Malpica Flores
Both Franqui and Efrain had earlier convictions related to drug trafficking. Their notorious arrest in Haiti during a US Drug Enforcement Administration operation in 2015 led to a trial that resulted in 18-year prison sentences. They were released in a 2022 prisoner swap.
Targeted Oil Tankers
The sanctions also extend to six oil tankers linked to the Venezuelan oil industry. These vessels reportedly engage in deceptive shipping practices, providing funds to support Maduro’s regime. The list of tankers includes:
- H Constance (built in 2002, Panama-flagged)
- Lattafa (built in 2003, Panama-flagged)
- Two other Panama-flagged tankers
- Additional tankers flagged by Cook Islands and Hong Kong
Response and Implications
Trump’s administration has promised aggressive action against narcotics shipments originating from Venezuela. Following the US seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, the White House indicated that the vessel would be taken to a US port for processing. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the US intends to seize the available oil from the tanker in accordance with legal protocols.
In contrast, Maduro strongly criticized the US actions, labeling the seizure an “act of piracy.” He claimed that the real intent behind the US’s actions is to capture Venezuelan oil—an assertion his government has consistently made amid ongoing tensions.
Future Actions
As the US prepares to intercept further shipments of Venezuelan oil, questions remain about future actions. The US has maintained its position against sanctioned vessels operating in international waters. The pressure from these sanctions has led to a surge in oil prices and heightened diplomatic tensions between the US and Venezuela.
