US Coast Guard Pursues Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela Amid Heightened Tensions
The US Coast Guard is currently tracking an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, marking the second similar action over the weekend and the third in the past week. The vessel is reportedly subject to sanctions imposed as part of the Trump administration's blockade aimed at tankers attempting to enter or leave Venezuela.
This campaign is part of a broader US effort involving an increased military presence and over two dozen strikes on vessels near Venezuela in both the Pacific and Caribbean regions, resulting in at least 100 deaths. White House adviser Kevin Hassett stated that the first two seized tankers were illegal black-market ships supplying oil to sanctioned countries and that these seizures should not lead to higher US oil prices. Analysts predict oil prices may rise when Asian markets reopen, although potential developments towards a quicker resolution of the Ukraine conflict could limit such gains.
Saturday's seizure was the second merchant vessel carrying oil near Venezuela in international waters, with both ships bound for Asia following the December 10 seizure of another tanker. Venezuela's government condemned these actions, describing them as theft and piracy. President Nicolás Maduro urged the Venezuelan navy to escort oil tankers as part of a confrontational stance against US operations. Meanwhile, former President Trump has suggested that war with Maduro's regime remains a possibility. Senator James Lankford also voiced support for regime change, denying Maduro's legitimacy as Venezuela's leader.
