The U.S. Coast Guard is stepping up its efforts to track down oil tankers linked to the Venezuelan government. On Sunday, they pursued another ship in the Caribbean, continuing an aggressive approach that began with the seizure of a tanker earlier this month.
The tanker in Sunday’s pursuit was flagged under a false name and was reportedly part of what the U.S. calls a “dark fleet,” operating illegally to bypass sanctions. This follows the seizure of the Centuries, a Panama-flagged vessel that the U.S. stated was involved in smuggling oil stolen from Venezuela.
President Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Venezuela and its president, Nicolás Maduro. In recent comments, he referred to his administration’s actions as a blockade of Venezuela’s oil operations. The U.S. already claims that sanctioned vessels have started to avoid Venezuelan waters due to the heightened scrutiny and risk of sanctions.
Historically, the U.S. had a significant presence in Venezuela’s oil industry until nationalization efforts began in the 1970s. This loss of investment has fueled ongoing tensions, particularly as Maduro’s government has faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement. In 2014, an international panel ordered Venezuela to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil for expropriated assets, highlighting the long-standing disputes between the two nations.
On the ground in Venezuela, Maduro is framing U.S. actions as aggression against his country. He stated that Venezuela is ready to stand firm against what he calls “psychological terrorism.”
Critics within the U.S., including Sen. Rand Paul, have labeled these military actions as provocative. Paul argues that the U.S. should not act as the world’s police, especially against countries with different political systems.
Recent trends on social media show a mix of support and disapproval regarding U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs, with many users calling for more diplomatic measures instead of military actions.
Overall, as tensions escalate, experts suggest that while sanctions can be effective, they may also lead to unforeseen consequences, increasing instability in the region. According to a recent survey by Pew Research, approximately 60% of Americans are concerned about the U.S. engaging in military confrontations abroad without clear objectives.
For more information on Venezuela’s current political situation and U.S. foreign policy, you can visit sources like The New York Times and BBC News.
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