The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing a vessel in international waters near Venezuela, amidst rising tensions in the region. Recently, US authorities seized two oil tankers, one just this past Saturday. According to a US official, the vessel being pursued is linked to “sanctioned dark fleet” activities that help Venezuela evade international sanctions. It’s reported that the ship is flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order.
The US has claimed that Venezuela is using oil profits to fund drug-related crimes. In response, Venezuela has labeled the tanker seizures as acts of “theft and kidnapping.”
Last week, former President Donald Trump ordered a blockade against specific oil tankers involved in these sanctions. Venezuela, boasting the world’s largest proven oil reserves, accused the US of trying to steal its resources.
As of last week, data from TankerTrackers.com indicated that over 30 of about 80 ships near Venezuela were under US sanctions. The recent tanker seizure involved a Panamanian-flagged ship that, while not officially sanctioned, was reportedly carrying oil from Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA.
Venezuela’s government has vowed that these actions will lead to consequences, promising to lodge complaints with the United Nations and other international agencies. The country heavily relies on oil revenues to fund its government operations.
Additionally, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, conducting strikes against what they claim are Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, resulting in significant casualties—estimated at around 100 people. This military action has sparked concerns within Congress about its implications and legitimacy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the existing situation with the Venezuelan regime is “intolerable” for the US, emphasizing the need for change. His remarks drew sharp criticism from Venezuela’s foreign minister, who accused the US of pushing for regime change.
The Trump administration has also accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a terrorist organization known as Cartel de los Soles, a claim Maduro firmly denies. Critics argue that the administration has not provided substantial evidence of drug trafficking related to the seized vessels.
In a world where information is crucial, keeping an eye on these developments is important, as they might reshape not just regional but global oil dynamics and security policies. For more detailed reports and discussions, you can visit BBC News or explore the insights from TankerTrackers.com for more data on maritime activities related to these sanctions.
