Washington, D.C. — U.S. authorities on Saturday seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking another escalation in President Donald Trump’s campaign to cut off financial lifelines to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
According to multiple reports, the operation was conducted in international waters and led by the U.S. Coast Guard with assistance from the U.S. Navy. The seizure comes days after Trump announced plans to impose what he described as a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers traveling in and out of Venezuela, signaling a more aggressive enforcement posture.
Earlier this month, U.S. forces seized a large tanker known as the Skipper near Venezuela’s coast. That vessel was carrying roughly 1.8 million barrels of crude oil and was allegedly sailing under a false Guyanese flag. U.S. officials say such shipments provide a critical revenue stream for Maduro’s government, which Washington has repeatedly labeled illegitimate.
Trump has argued that Venezuelan oil revenues are being used to finance criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human smuggling. Administration officials say the tanker seizures are intended to disrupt those funding channels while increasing economic pressure on Caracas.
The move coincides with an expanded U.S. military presence in the region under U.S. Southern Command, including naval vessels, aircraft, and surveillance assets. Since September, U.S. forces have also carried out numerous operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Analysts warn the strategy could further strain Venezuela’s economy, potentially limiting its ability to import food and essential goods, while raising tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
