In brief
The US has seized a vessel in international waters off Venezuela, marking the second seizure this month following President Trump's announcement of a blockade against sanctioned oil tankers. Venezuela's government has condemned the action, asserting that it seeks to protect its oil resources amidst increasing US military presence in the Caribbean.
The US has seized a sanctioned vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, US officials have confirmed. This marks the second time this month that US authorities have taken such action.
Following US President Trump's recent decision to impose a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, tensions are rising between the two countries, with Venezuela previously accusing the US of trying to steal its oil resources.
The latest operation, led by the US Coast Guard, involved a specialized tactical team boarding the vessel. This comes on the heels of increasing military buildup in the Caribbean by the US, which has also executed strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats.
Venezuela’s government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has denounced these actions as attempts to seize control of its oil, with some officials alleging the US has kidnapped crew members and stolen vessels.
Amidst these maritime confrontations, Venezuela's economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenue, making it a focal point in ongoing geopolitical disputes.
