The US Coast Guard is in “active pursuit” of another vessel in international waters near Venezuela, heightening regional tensions as authorities intensify a crackdown on illicit oil shipments.
US officials have already seized two oil tankers this month, one as recently as Saturday.
A US official stated Sunday’s pursuit targets a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion,” adding, “It is flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order.”
The exact location and identity of the vessel are not yet publicly confirmed. However, this action aligns with US President Donald Trump’s order last week for a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
The confrontations are part of a deepening dispute. Washington accuses Venezuela of using oil revenue to fund criminal activities, while Caracas has condemned the tanker seizures as “theft and kidnapping.”
Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, alleges the Trump administration is attempting to steal its resources.
According to data from TankerTrackers.com, more than 30 of the approximately 80 ships in or approaching Venezuelan waters last week were under US sanctions.
By James Kisoo
