US Seeks Third Oil Tanker Connected to Venezuela
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently in pursuit of a third oil tanker connected to Venezuela, intensifying ongoing tensions in the region. This pursuit is part of Washington’s efforts against what it terms a “dark fleet” involved in Venezuelan sanctions evasion.
Recent Seizures and Tensions
Earlier this month, the U.S. seized two oil tankers, with one being confiscated on Saturday. The pursuit on Sunday involves a vessel reportedly flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order.
Accusations and Responses
- U.S. authorities accuse Venezuela of misusing oil funds to support drug-related crimes.
- Venezuela has labeled the tanker seizures as acts of theft and kidnapping.
President Donald Trump recently ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuela, a country known for possessing the world’s largest proven oil reserves. The Venezuelan government claims these U.S. actions aim to seize its valuable resources.
Sanctioned Ships in Venezuelan Waters
As of last week, over 30 out of approximately 80 vessels in and around Venezuelan waters were subject to U.S. sanctions. Data from TankerTrackers.com highlights the scale of U.S. efforts in monitoring these vessels.
Details of the Latest Seizure
The recent seizure involved a Panamanian-flagged tanker boarded by a specialized tactical team in international waters. Although this vessel is not included on the U.S. Treasury’s list of sanctioned ships, it is alleged to have been transporting sanctioned oil from PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company.
Venezuela’s Dependency on Oil Revenue
Venezuela heavily relies on oil exports to fund its government activities. In a firm response to the U.S. actions, the Venezuelan government has threatened to file complaints with the UN Security Council and other international bodies.
Military Presence and Operations
In recent weeks, the U.S. has increased its military operations in the Caribbean. Reports indicate that around 100 individuals have been killed in strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels. However, no public evidence has been provided regarding the cargo of these ships.
The Trump administration has accused President Nicolás Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a designation he has disputed.
