United States Imposes Further Sanctions After Tanker Seizure Off Venezuela
The United States has enacted additional sanctions targeting six vessels identified as transporting Venezuelan oil. This action follows the seizure of a tanker off the Venezuelan coast a day prior. Sanctions were also imposed on individuals related to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and entities linked to his administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the seized vessel, identified as the 'Skipper,' was implicated in "illicit oil shipping" and would be transported to an American port. The Venezuelan government characterized the seizure as an "act of international piracy."
Escalation of Pressure and Official Statements
These actions represent an intensification of the US pressure campaign against President Maduro's government. Previous instances have included fatalities from strikes on vessels alleged to be transporting drugs from Venezuela. US warships have increased their presence in the region in recent months. The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of facilitating narcotics trafficking into the United States. Conversely, Venezuela, which possesses significant proven oil reserves, has accused Washington of attempting to exploit its resources. President Maduro publicly stated on Wednesday that Venezuela would not become an "oil colony."
On Thursday, Press Secretary Leavitt reiterated the US commitment to "stopping the flow of illegal drugs" into the country and upholding sanctions. She declined to comment on potential future seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers. Leavitt further stated that the US would not tolerate "sanctioned vessels sail[ing] the seas with black market oil, the proceeds of which will fuel narco-terrorism of rogue and illegitimate regimes around the world," and confirmed plans to seize the oil aboard the 'Skipper' following due legal process. Regarding a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Maduro, in which Moscow offered support "in the face of growing external pressure," Leavitt indicated that President Trump would not be "concerned at all."
Treasury Department's Stance
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent subsequently announced that sanctions against three nephews of President Maduro's wife, along with several businesses and ships, aimed to address the leader's "dictatorial and brutal control." He posted on X that the Trump administration was "holding the regime and its circle of cronies and companies accountable for its continued crimes."