US Coast Guard Pursues Tanker Off Venezuelan Coast
BBC Verify has investigated the US Coast Guard's pursuit of a vessel, identified as the Bella 1, in international waters near Venezuela. The oil tanker reportedly issued distress signals while moving northeast from the Caribbean into the Atlantic.
This incident follows two previous oil tanker seizures by US authorities within the current month.
International Accusations and Responses
Within recent months, the US administration has focused on Venezuela, accusing the nation of oil theft and the use of oil revenues to fund criminal activities. Venezuela has rejected these accusations, characterizing the US actions involving tanker seizures as illegal acts of international piracy.