Latest Incident
US officials have confirmed the seizure of a vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. The operation was led by the US Coast Guard, with a specialized tactical team boarding the ship. This marks the second such vessel seizure by the US in the region within the current month.
Regional Military Presence and Policy
The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Caribbean Sea following a directive from the US President. This deployment coincides with an increased US military presence in the area.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump stated an intention to implement a "blockade" targeting sanctioned oil tankers operating in Venezuelan waters. This declaration followed the US seizure of another oil tanker, named the Skipper, less than seven days prior. The White House asserted that the Skipper was involved in "illicit oil shipping" and would be transported to a US port.
US Allegations and Operations
The US has conducted operations against vessels it alleges were involved in drug smuggling, resulting in an estimated 100 fatalities. No public evidence supporting the drug-smuggling claims for these specific vessels has been presented by the US, and these operations have drawn congressional scrutiny.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading the "Cartel de los Soles," which the US has designated as a terrorist organization. The administration alleges that Maduro and the group utilize "stolen" oil to finance activities including "Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping." President Maduro denies these accusations.
Venezuelan Response and Economic Context
Venezuela has not yet issued a response to the latest vessel seizure. In previous statements, the Venezuelan government has accused the US of seeking to exploit its oil resources. Following the seizure of the Skipper, President Maduro described the event as the US having "kidnapped the crew" and "stolen" the ship.
Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, and its government's financing is significantly dependent on revenues generated from oil exports.