US Intensifies Blockade on Venezuelan Oil Tankers

Confirmation of Pursuit

On Sunday, US officials confirmed the active pursuit of a third oil tanker from Venezuela, following recent sanctions imposed by Washington on Caracas. This announcement comes after US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated the interception of a similar vessel over the weekend.

Third Interception in Two Weeks

According to a Reuters report, this could mark the third interception of a sanctioned vessel within two weeks if the pursuit is successful. A US official noted, "The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order."

Trump’s Blockade Announcement

On December 16, US President Donald Trump declared a "blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, citing the theft of alleged stolen US assets. To enforce this blockade, Trump has deployed a significant naval fleet to the Caribbean, officially described as an anti-drug operation. However, Caracas perceives this as an effort to exert pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Recent Actions by US Forces

Kristi Noem recently shared footage of US forces rappelling from a helicopter onto the deck of the intercepted vessel, emphasizing the US’s commitment to combat the "illicit movement of sanctioned oil." In her statement, Noem highlighted the operation that took place early in the morning on December 20, where the US Coast Guard, supported by the Department of War, apprehended an oil tanker that had last docked in Venezuela.

Previous Interception

On December 10, armed US agents successfully intercepted and took control of an oil tanker named Skipper. This vessel was transporting Venezuelan crude, sailing under a false flag, and had previously been sanctioned for earlier shipments of Iranian oil.