The US Coast Guard is in active pursuit of another vessel in international waters near Venezuela, as tensions in the region continue to escalate. According to an official speaking to CBS News, this pursuit is focused on a sanctioned vessel involved in Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion.
US authorities have already seized two oil tankers this month, including one on Saturday. The most recent pursuits involve tankers accused of being part of what Washington refers to as a dark fleet engaged in flying false flags and operating under judicial seizure orders.
Washington has accused Venezuela of utilizing oil resources to fund drug-related crimes, while Venezuela has responded by labeling the seizure of their tankers as acts of theft and kidnapping.
Earlier, President Trump authorized a blockade against ships carrying sanctioned oil, aiming to restrict Venezuela’s ability to engage with international shipping and maritime traffic. Following this, Venezuelan officials have accused the Trump administration of attempting to loot their nation’s natural wealth, given that Venezuela boasts the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Current reports indicate that the exact location and name of the tanker being pursued remains unknown at this time. As of last week, over 30 ships in Venezuelan waters were noted to be under US sanctions, highlighting the intense scrutiny surrounding vessels operating in this region.
In a tactical operation on Saturday, US forces boarded a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying sanctioned PDVSA oil in international waters. Despite being off the official sanctions list, US authorities were quick to act, reiterating their stance on preventing illegal oil exports from Venezuela.
Venezuela's response has been one of outrage; they stated that actions taken against their vessels would not go unharmed and have declared intentions to file complaints with international bodies like the UN Security Council.
As military engagements ramp up in the Caribbean, US authorities have launched strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug vessels, resulting in significant casualties, although the military maintains it has not produced public evidence to substantiate these claims.
This ongoing conflict reflects broader geopolitical tensions and positions of the two nations, as the US continues to label Venezuelan leadership, including President Nicolás Maduro, as part of a terrorist organization linked to drug trafficking.
