US Authorities Seize Vessel in International Waters Near Venezuela
The United States has recently confiscated a vessel in international waters near Venezuela, marking the second such incident this month. This operation, led by the US Coast Guard, involved the intervention of a specialized tactical team.
Context of the Seizure
This seizure follows a declaration from US President Donald Trump, who announced a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. The move aims to restrict the transshipment of Venezuelan oil, particularly under the scrutiny of ongoing sanctions.
Venezuela’s Response
Venezuela has yet to formally respond to this latest seizure. The government has previously accused the US of attempting to steal its valuable oil resources. President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the actions taken by the United States, labeling the operation as a “kidnapping” of the crew and a theft of the vessel.
US Military Actions
In recent weeks, the US has intensified its military operations in the Caribbean, including lethal strikes against boats allegedly involved in drug smuggling. These strikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 100 individuals. However, the US military has not publicly provided evidence that these vessels were, in fact, carrying illegal drugs.
Accusations Against Maduro
The Trump administration accuses President Maduro of leading a criminal organization known as the Cartel de los Soles. The US government claims that he utilizes “stolen” oil revenues to support various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping.
Venezuela’s Oil Dependency
Venezuela is home to the largest proven oil reserves globally and heavily relies on oil exports for government funding. The ongoing seizure of vessels could disrupt essential revenue streams for the country.
Recent Developments
Just days before this seizure, the US took control of an oil tanker known as the Skipper. This tanker was reportedly part of a “ghost fleet” operating off the Venezuelan coast, employing various methods to mask its activities. The White House indicated that the Skipper had been involved in illicit oil shipping and would be redirected to a US port for further investigations.
