Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have reached new heights as the US Coast Guard engages in active pursuit of another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. This development marks the third such incident this month, following the seizure of two Venezuelan-flagged oil tankers by US authorities.
According to US officials, Sunday’s pursuit targets a ‘sanctioned dark fleet vessel’ allegedly participating in Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion operations. The vessel in question is reportedly flying false flags and remains under judicial seizure order. Washington maintains that Venezuela utilizes oil revenues to finance drug-related criminal activities, while Caracas has condemned the seizures as outright ‘theft and kidnapping.’
The escalation follows President Donald Trump’s recent order establishing a naval blockade against sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or leave Venezuelan waters. Venezuela, which possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has accused the Trump administration of attempting to plunder its natural resources.
While US authorities haven’t officially confirmed details of Sunday’s operation, the pattern of enforcement continues. Saturday’s seizure involved a Panamanian-flagged tanker boarded by specialized tactical teams in international waters. Although not on the US Treasury’s sanctioned vessels list, the ship was transporting ‘sanctioned PDVSA oil’ according to US officials. Maritime records indicate the vessel previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags over the past five years.
The Venezuelan government has vowed that ‘these acts will not go unpunished’ and intends to file formal complaints with the UN Security Council and other multilateral organizations. Venezuela’s economic stability heavily depends on oil export revenues, making these seizures particularly damaging.
Recent weeks have witnessed increased US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, including deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels that resulted in approximately 100 casualties. The US has additionally imposed sanctions on relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and businesses associated with what it terms his ‘illegitimate regime.’
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that ‘the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States,’ signaling the administration’s determination to alter the dynamic. These statements drew sharp criticism from Venezuela’s foreign minister, who accused Rubio of pushing for ‘regime change.’
Notably, the US military has faced growing congressional scrutiny over the vessel strikes, as no public evidence has been provided confirming drug trafficking activities aboard these ships. The Trump administration has further accused Maduro of leading a designated terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, allegations which the Venezuelan president consistently denies.