U.S. naval units are pursuing a third vessel off Venezuela’s coast, fuelling Caribbean tensions after seizing two oil carriers this month, one on Saturday in international waters.
A U.S. official called Sunday’s target 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.”
Washington claims Caracas diverts oil funds to drugs, but Venezuela brands the grabs “theft and kidnapping.”
President Donald Trump ordered a “blockade” on restricted tankers last week. Holding the world’s top oil reserves, Venezuela accuses the U.S. of looting its assets. Over 30 of 80 nearby ships face penalties, per TankerTrackers.com.
Saturday’s Panamanian-flagged prize carried “sanctioned PDVSA oil” despite no Treasury listing; it flew Greek and Liberian flags before. “These acts will not go unpunished,” Caracas warned, eyeing UN appeals and “other multilateral agencies and the governments of the world.”
Oil props up Venezuela’s budget as the U.S. bolsters its Caribbean forces, striking drug boats and killing about 100. Sanctions hit Maduro kin and allies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday, “It is clear that the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States.” He added that the goal of the Trump administration is to change that dynamic.
Maduro’s foreign minister slammed Rubio over “regime changes,” with no drug proof on ships and Congress probing strikes. The U.S. labels Maduro head of terrorist Cartel de los Soles, which he denies.