The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third sanctioned oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, marking an escalation in the Trump administration’s pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s government. According to U.S. officials, the vessel is part of Venezuela’s ‘dark fleet’ used to evade oil sanctions, is flying a false flag, and is under a judicial seizure order.
The pursuit, first reported by Reuters and confirmed by CBS News, involves a tanker that U.S. authorities describe as engaging in illegal sanctions evasion. This operation follows the seizure of two other oil tankers earlier this month, including a Panama-flagged vessel intercepted in a pre-dawn raid on Saturday. That seizure was condemned by Venezuela as an act of piracy, with the government vowing to file complaints with the United Nations Security Council.
President Donald Trump last week ordered a ‘total and complete blockade’ on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, part of a broader strategy to isolate Maduro’s regime. The U.S. accuses Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other illicit activities, labeling Maduro a narcoterrorist. In response, Venezuela has denounced the U.S. actions as colonialist and threatened retaliatory measures.
The ongoing pursuit highlights the intensifying U.S. focus on disrupting Venezuela’s oil exports, which are crucial for the country’s economy. Despite the seizures, U.S. officials, such as National Economic Council director Kevin Hasset, have downplayed concerns about rising oil prices, stating that the targeted vessels are part of the black market and their interception will not impact U.S. supply.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, including strikes on boats allegedly smuggling drugs. The Trump administration has also imposed sanctions on Maduro’s relatives and associates, further squeezing the regime. Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, relies heavily on oil exports to finance government spending, making these U.S. actions particularly damaging.
The escalation raises questions about international law and the use of force in international waters. Venezuela’s plan to involve the UN suggests a diplomatic confrontation could follow, potentially drawing in other nations. The U.S. maintains that its actions are justified under sanctions enforcement and counter-narcotics efforts, but critics warn of the risks of further destabilizing the region.
As the pursuit continues, the situation remains fluid, with both sides digging in their heels. The outcome could influence not only U.S.-Venezuela relations but also global oil markets and international norms on maritime security. Observers are watching for any breakthrough or further escalation in this high-stakes geopolitical standoff.
