US Coast Guard Seizes Oil Tanker in Venezuelan Waters Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States Coast Guard seized a large oil tanker near Venezuela. The action happened in international waters on December 20. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly released video of the operation.

This marks the second such seizure in two weeks. The move is part of a broader pressure campaign against Venezuela’s government. According to Reuters, U.S. officials stated the boarding was a “consented” stop.

Expanded US Campaign Targets Sanctioned Oil Shipments

President Donald Trump recently ordered a blockade of sanctioned vessels. The policy aims to curb oil revenue for Venezuela’s leadership. Officials say the funds support activities Washington opposes.

The latest Coast Guard operation involved support from the Department of War. Personnel secured the tanker’s deck from a helicopter. Secretary Noem announced the pre-dawn action on social media platform X.

She stated the vessel was last docked in Venezuela. The U.S. will pursue illicit movement of sanctioned oil, she warned. Her message was clear: “We will find you, and we will stop you.”

This strategy represents a significant escalation. The first seizure occurred on December 10. It targeted another Venezuelan oil tanker in the region.

Additional sanctions on vessels and entities have followed. A increased U.S. naval and Coast Guard presence is now evident. The goal is to economically isolate the Maduro administration.

Regional Stability and International Reaction

The operations occur in a politically volatile region. Venezuela has faced years of economic crisis and political strife. The U.S. does not recognize President Nicolás Maduro’s government as legitimate.

Interdicting ships in international waters is a strong measure. It signals Washington’s willingness to enforce sanctions directly. The long-term impact on regional stability remains unclear.

Other nations are monitoring the situation closely. The actions could affect global oil shipping routes and protocols. All developments are based on confirmed reports from major news agencies.

The seizure of this oil tanker by the US Coast Guard underscores a hardening American foreign policy stance. This direct enforcement action sets a new precedent for maritime sanctions. The situation off the coast of Venezuela continues to develop rapidly.