The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that the United States has seized a second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast this month. The move follows President Donald Trump’s recent statement regarding a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers either entering or leaving Venezuela. The latest seizure was conducted by the US Coast Guard, employing a specialized tactical team, and occurred in international waters.
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Key Developments
According to a post on X by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the operation took place in the early hours of December 20th. Secretary Noem stated that the US Coast Guard, supported by the Department of War, apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. She accompanied her statement with a video showcasing the operation, which depicted US helicopters landing on a ship identified as the “Centuries.”
Secretary Noem further emphasized the US’s commitment to combating the illicit movement of sanctioned oil used to fund what she described as “narco terrorism” in the region. She asserted, “The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region. We will find you, and we will stop you.” This recent action marks the second time this month that the US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.
Details of the Seized Tanker
The seized vessel, named “Centuries,” is reportedly a Panamanian-flagged crude-oil tanker built in 2001, as indicated by the website Vessel Finder. However, it remains unclear whether the ship itself is subject to US sanctions. This US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the two nations.
The US has been increasing its military presence in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks. This has included deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, resulting in the deaths of approximately 100 individuals. The US government has not provided public evidence to support the claim that these vessels were carrying drugs, leading to increased scrutiny from Congress regarding these military actions. The US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast and the recent military build-up in the Caribbean highlight the escalating tensions in the region.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
The US has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a designated-terrorist organization known as Cartel de los Soles, allegations that Maduro vehemently denies. The Trump administration accuses Maduro and the group of using “stolen” oil to finance activities such as drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping. Venezuela, which possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, relies heavily on oil export revenues to fund its government spending. The US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast as part of its ongoing efforts to exert pressure on the Maduro regime.
President Trump’s announcement of a potential “blockade” occurred shortly after the US seized an oil tanker believed to be part of a “ghost fleet” off the coast of Venezuela. These “ghost fleets” are allegedly employing various strategies to conceal their operations and evade sanctions. The White House identified the vessel in that previous incident as the “Skipper,” asserting its involvement in “illicit oil shipping” and announcing its transfer to a US port. Venezuela’s government strongly condemned the seizure, with Maduro accusing the US of “kidnapping the crew” and “stealing” the ship.
Venezuela’s Response and Broader Implications
As of now, Venezuela has not officially responded to the latest seizure of the oil tanker. However, in the past, the Venezuelan government has consistently accused Washington of attempting to steal its oil resources. This US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast will likely further exacerbate the already tense diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela has significant implications for the global oil market and regional stability. The US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast demonstrates the US’s commitment to enforcing sanctions against Venezuela, but also raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the humanitarian impact on the Venezuelan people, who are already facing severe economic hardship. The long-term effects of these actions remain to be seen, but they undoubtedly contribute to a complex and volatile geopolitical landscape.
The US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast this month, further escalating tensions between the two nations. The situation remains fluid, and the international community is watching closely to see how these events will unfold and what impact they will have on the region and the global oil market.
Note: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
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