U.S. Coast Guard Pursuit of Sanctioned Venezuela Tanker Sparks Fresh Tensions

The U.S. Coast Guard is chasing a sanctioned oil tanker near Venezuela. The operation began on Sunday in international waters. It is the second chase this weekend and the third in less than two weeks. According to Reuters, the tanker is linked to sanctions violations.

U.S. officials say the vessel is part of a “dark fleet.” They say it is using a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order. The case adds new pressure to Venezuela’s oil trade at a sensitive time.

U.S. Coast Guard Operation Targets Sanctioned Tanker

Officials did not share the exact location of the chase. They also did not name the vessel. But maritime risk group Vanguard and a U.S. maritime security source identified it as Bella 1. Reuters reported this on Sunday.

Bella 1 is a very large crude carrier. It was added to the U.S. Treasury sanctions list last year. The United States says the vessel has ties to Iran. Tracking data from TankerTrackers.com shows it was empty as it neared Venezuela on Sunday.

In past years, Bella 1 moved Venezuelan oil to China. It also carried Iranian crude, according to vessel monitoring records. This makes the tanker a focus of U.S. enforcement efforts.

The White House has not yet commented on the latest chase. But the move comes after President Donald Trump announced a new “blockade” of sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. This includes increased military activity in the region and strikes on vessels near the Caribbean and Pacific zones. According to Reuters, at least 100 people have died in recent attacks.

Impact on Oil Markets and Venezuela’s Exports

The U.S. recently seized two other tankers tied to black‑market oil operations. One of them, named Skipper, reached the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area on Sunday. Large crude carriers cannot enter the Houston channel, so they transfer oil to smaller ships offshore.

A White House economic adviser told CBS that the seizures should not raise U.S. fuel prices. He said the tankers were operating outside legal markets. But analysts predict slight price increases when Asian trading opens on Monday. They see the new chase as a sign of rising risk to Venezuelan oil flows.

Venezuela’s president says the country will continue exporting oil. But experts say the pressure will cut export volumes. They warn that Venezuela’s storage tanks will fill quickly. This could force the nation to reduce production and lose revenue.

According to analysts quoted by Reuters, the U.S. Coast Guard operation marks a shift to more aggressive enforcement. They say this could affect global markets if more tankers are blocked or seized in the coming weeks.

The U.S. Coast Guard action raises fresh concerns over oil supply and stability. The chase also puts new strain on Venezuela’s troubled energy sector.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is the U.S. Coast Guard pursuing the tanker?

The tanker is under U.S. sanctions. Officials say it is part of a “dark fleet” used for evading oil sanctions. It may also be using a false flag.

Q2: What is the name of the vessel?

Maritime sources identified it as Bella 1. The ship has past ties to Iran and Venezuela. It was empty when it approached Venezuela.

Q3: Will this push global oil prices higher?

Analysts expect a small rise when Asian markets open. They say the chase signals more risk to Venezuelan oil supply. This could tighten markets.

Q4: How will this affect Venezuela?

Its exports may fall if more tankers are stopped. Storage tanks may fill, forcing production cuts. This will hurt revenue.

Q5: Has the U.S. seized other tankers recently?

Yes, two vessels were seized earlier this month. They were accused of operating in black‑market oil trades. One of them arrived near Houston on Sunday.