US Coast Guard Pursues Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker Amid Rising Tensions.
The US Coast Guard is currently engaged in the “active pursuit” of a vessel in international waters near Venezuela, as diplomatic and military tensions in the region continue to escalate. The exact location and identity of the tanker have not yet been disclosed by US authorities.
This development follows the seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers earlier this month, including one intercepted on Saturday. According to a US official speaking to CBS News, the ongoing pursuit involves a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” allegedly linked to Venezuela’s illegal attempts to evade sanctions. The official added that the tanker was “flying a false flag” and subject to a judicial seizure order.
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to finance drug-related criminal activity. In response, Venezuelan officials have condemned the tanker seizures as “theft and kidnapping.” Last week, President Donald Trump further intensified pressure by ordering a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters.
Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has accused the US of attempting to seize its natural resources. More than 30 of the 80 ships in or approaching Venezuelan waters are reportedly under US sanctions, according to data from TankerTrackers.com.
Saturday’s seizure involved a Panamanian-flagged tanker, boarded by a specialized tactical team in international waters. While the vessel itself was not on the US Treasury’s sanctioned list, authorities stated that it was transporting “sanctioned PDVSA oil.” Historical records indicate the ship previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags.
The Venezuelan government responded to the incident by warning that such actions “will not go unpunished” and announcing plans to raise the matter with the United Nations Security Council, other multilateral agencies, and world governments.
Oil exports remain a critical source of revenue for the Venezuelan state. In recent weeks, the US has bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and carried out strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling, resulting in around 100 deaths. Sanctions have also targeted members of President Nicolás Maduro’s family and businesses linked to his government, which the US describes as illegitimate.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the “current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable” and emphasized the administration’s goal of altering it. Venezuela’s foreign minister criticized Rubio’s remarks, accusing the US of pursuing “regime change.”
The US has yet to provide public evidence that the intercepted vessels were transporting drugs. Meanwhile, congressional scrutiny over the military strikes is increasing. The Trump administration has labeled President Maduro the leader of a terrorist organization called the Cartel de los Soles, a claim the Venezuelan leader strongly denies.
