US Intensifies Maritime Tensions with Venezuela Amidst Oil Seizures

Mon Dec 22 2025 04:03:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, following two recent seizures. This escalation comes as tensions rise over accusations of illegal sanctions evasion and drug trafficking.

In a continuing confrontation regarding oil sanctions, the US Coast Guard is in pursuit of another oil tanker near Venezuela, following the seizure of two vessels this month. Accused by the US of using oil profits to fund crime, Venezuela denounces these operations as theft.

The US Coast Guard is in active pursuit of another vessel in international waters near Venezuela, an official has told CBS News, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

US authorities have already seized two oil tankers this month - one of them on Saturday.

Sunday's pursuit relates to a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion, a US official stated. It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.\p>

Washington has alleged that Venezuela utilizes oil money to fund drug-related crime, while Venezuela accuses the US of theft and kidnapping regarding the tanker seizures.

Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers moving to and from the country. Venezuela, which hosts the world's largest proven oil reserves, has accused the Trump administration of attempting to seize its resources.

Details regarding the location and name of the tanker being pursued are not yet known. Over 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or nearby are under US sanctions, according to TankerTrackers.com.

The seizure on Saturday involved a Panamanian-flagged tanker taken over by a specialized tactical team in international waters. Although this ship was not listed on the US Treasury's list of sanctioned vessels, authorities contend that it was transporting sanctioned PDVSA oil.

In response to Saturday's seizure, the Venezuelan government stated, These acts will not go unpunished, announcing plans to file a complaint with the UN Security Council and other global entities.

Revenue from oil exports is crucial for Venezuela's government financing. The US has ramped up its military presence in the Caribbean, reportedly executing lethal strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, resulting in approximately 100 fatalities without public evidence of drug transportation.

The Trump administration asserts that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads a designated-terrorist organization known as Cartel de los Soles, a claim the President refutes.