US Intercepts Second Oil Tanker as Venezuela Blockade Tensions Rise

The US Coast Guard stopped a large oil tanker near the Caribbean early Saturday under President Donald Trump’s Venezuela blockade order. The vessel had last docked in Venezuela and carried crude linked to the state oil firm. According to Reuters, this was the second tanker intercepted by US forces this month.

The move raised new tensions between Washington and Caracas. It also marked another step in Trump’s effort to cut off Venezuela’s key oil revenue stream.

US Actions Under Venezuela Blockade Intensify

The tanker, named Centuries, carried as much as 2 million barrels of crude. It sailed under a Panamanian flag. A Chinese firm held title to the crude, and most crew members were Chinese.

According to US officials, the ship transported sanctioned oil from state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela SA. The White House said the tanker was part of what it called a “shadow fleet” that moved oil to support Nicolás Maduro’s government. The administration said the vessel used a false flag and failed to meet US requirements.

This was the second such action this month. The first came on December 10, when US forces stopped the Skipper. Officials then said it was a “stateless vessel” tied to an illicit network. In both cases, US agencies acted under Trump’s broader strategy to block oil shipments leaving Venezuela.

The Defense Department backed Saturday’s “pre-dawn” operation, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Reuters reported that US forces boarded the tanker without incident.

In response, Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez condemned the move. She called it “a serious act of piracy.” She said the United States sought to impose a “colonial model” that would not succeed.

Rising Pressure and Global Response

The latest interception comes as Trump increases pressure on Maduro. According to AP, the president has designated Venezuela’s government as a foreign terrorist organization. He accused officials there of involvement in drug trafficking and money networks.

Trump also said he would not rule out war with Venezuela. He made the comment during a phone interview reported by NBC. He declined to discuss possible military strikes.

The US also nominated Marine Corps Lieutenant General Francis Donovan to lead US Southern Command. That command oversees military operations in the region, including the blockade. Donovan currently serves as vice commander of US Special Operations Command.

Venezuela has pushed back with its own claims. Rodríguez said the country has reached its target of 1.2 million barrels per day in oil production. She said this showed that Venezuela could withstand what she called US “hostility” and “illegality.”

Officials in Caracas said the intercepts harmed global shipping rights. They warned that future actions could damage stability in the region.

The Venezuela blockade remains a major point of conflict in US foreign policy. The latest tanker seizure highlights rising tension and growing military involvement. The next steps may shape regional politics in the weeks ahead.

A quick knowledge drop for you-

Q1: What is the Venezuela blockade?

The Venezuela blockade is a US effort to block oil exports tied to Nicolás Maduro’s government. It aims to restrict revenue and pressure the state. It includes maritime interceptions.

Q2: Why was the Centuries tanker stopped?

US officials said it carried sanctioned Venezuelan oil. They also said it used false flags and sailed in a shadow network. The ship was boarded early Saturday.

Q3: How many tankers have been intercepted this month?

Two tankers have been intercepted. The first was stopped on December 10. The second was intercepted early Saturday.

Q4: How did Venezuela react?

Venezuelan officials called the move an act of piracy. They said the US sought to impose a colonial model. They claimed the country would resist US pressure.

Q5: Could this lead to war?

President Trump said he does not rule out war. He did not discuss details. The statement raised concern among regional observers.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP, NBC