US Forces Escalate Pressure with Second Vessel Intercept Off Venezuela

American military forces have stopped another merchant vessel near Venezuela. This marks the second such action in less than two weeks. According to U.S. officials, the event occurred on Saturday.The operation was confirmed by two American officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity. The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.This latest intercept follows a major policy announcement. President Donald Trump recently declared a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers. The move targets vessels traveling to and from Venezuela.

Trump Administration Ramps Up Maritime Enforcement

The recent action is part of a broader pressure campaign. The goal is to isolate the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. policy aims to curb the country’s oil exports.Officials described the latest stop as a “consented boarding.” This means the vessel stopped voluntarily. U.S. forces were then allowed to board it.This tactic follows a similar incident on December 10. On that date, U.S. forces seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. The location was also off the coast of Venezuela.President Trump has justified these aggressive steps. He cites Venezuela’s seizure of U.S. oil company assets years ago. The administration also accuses Maduro’s government of drug trafficking.”We want it back,” Trump stated regarding the lost investments. He called the asset seizure illegal. The blockade is a direct response.The effects are already being felt in shipping channels. Some sanctioned tankers are now diverting away from Venezuelan ports. This disrupts a key revenue stream for the Maduro government.

Regional Tensions and Policy Goals

The repeated naval actions signal a hardened U.S. stance. Rhetoric from Washington has intensified in recent weeks. Trump has warned that Maduro’s days in power are numbered.The strategy involves both economic and military pressure. Cutting off oil revenue is a primary objective. The vessel intercepts serve as tangible enforcement of the declared blockade.Official responses from the Pentagon and White House were not immediately available. The operations continue as a developing component of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

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The second vessel intercept by US forces off Venezuela underscores a decisive shift in tactics. This sustained maritime pressure directly challenges the Maduro government’s economic lifeline. The situation remains a focal point of regional tension.

Disclaimer: This article reports on developing military and geopolitical events. Details are based on official statements and reporting from established news agencies.

References: Information was derived from reporting by Reuters and The Associated Press.