The United States is reportedly pursuing a third oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. A US official stated this action is related to a "sanctioned dark fleet vessel" operating under a "false flag" and subject to a "judicial seizure order." This follows the seizure of two other oil tankers by US authorities earlier this month, one of which occurred on Saturday.
US Stance and Actions
US President Donald Trump previously ordered a "blockade" targeting sanctioned oil tankers associated with Venezuela. The US government has accused Venezuela of using oil revenue to fund drug-related criminal activities and alleges that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads a designated terrorist organization known as Cartel de los Soles. The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, conducting strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, resulting in approximately 100 fatalities. However, no public evidence supporting claims that these targeted vessels were carrying drugs has been provided, leading to scrutiny from Congress.
Venezuelan Response
Venezuela, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves and is highly dependent on oil export revenues, has condemned the tanker seizures as "theft and kidnapping." Following Saturday's incident, the Venezuelan government stated that such "acts will not go unpunished" and announced its intention to file complaints with the UN Security Council and other multilateral agencies. Venezuela has also accused the Trump administration of attempting to appropriate its natural resources.
Details of Saturday's Seizure
The tanker seized on Saturday was Panamanian-flagged and boarded by a specialized tactical team in international waters. Although this particular ship is not on the US Treasury's list of sanctioned vessels, US authorities stated it was transporting "sanctioned PDVSA oil." Records indicate the vessel had previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags within the past five years. Data compiled by TankerTrackers.com revealed that as of last week, over 30 of the 80 ships in or approaching Venezuelan waters were subject to US sanctions.