US Forces Seize a Sixth Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker in the Caribbean Sea
US forces have executed a significant operation, seizing a sixth oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean. This move is part of ongoing initiatives to regulate Venezuelan oil exports, as officials confirm.
– The vessel, named Veronica, was boarded during a predawn operation that was without incident.
– According to the US military, this seizure was necessary as the vessel was defying President Donald Trump’s quarantine of sanctioned vessels.
– The Southern Command stated, The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.
Following the US military actions against Venezuela and the recent shift in political power with the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, Trump aims to tap into Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.
– Veronica is the latest tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, the Southern Command communicated via social media.
– A video shared by the command showcased Marines and sailors successfully boarding the tanker.
Insights into the Veronica Tanker
– The Veronica is a crude oil tanker sailing under a Guyanese flag and had departed empty from Venezuelan waters in early January, as reported by monitoring service TankerTrackers.com.
– Historical data from the International Maritime Organization indicates the vessel was previously registered in Russia under different names.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the operation’s precision, stating it was executed with close coordination with our military colleagues along with the State and Justice Departments.
– Our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law, Noem added.
Ongoing Crackdown on Venezuela-Linked Oil Tankers
This latest seizure underscores Washington’s continued crackdown on the so-called dark fleet, which consists of over 1,000 vessels transporting sanctioned oil. The US intends to work alongside Venezuela’s interim government to gain control over the country’s oil sales.
– A US official recently announced the successful completion of its first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million (£373 million).
– Trump encouraged oil executives to invest $100 billion into Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, although they highlighted that significant changes would be necessary to make investments appealing.
The blockade has severely limited Venezuelan oil exports, with only ships associated with Chevron and destined for the US moving as usual.
– Matt Smith, head of US analysis at Kpler, noted that loadings have nearly halved this month, now averaging about 400,000 barrels per day.
– The Veronica, categorized as a relatively small tanker with a sanctioned owner, was one of about 17 ships that attempted to breach the blockade earlier this month.
Smith speculated on why vessels from the dark fleet would risk seizure, citing potential financial losses from delays. If a tanker meant to transport crude can’t pass through, that’s money lost, he explained.
The US quarantine has reportedly created a bottleneck of supply that would otherwise flow to countries, predominantly China. However, as the US begins selling Venezuelan oil, signs are emerging that vessels are now headed to the Bahamas for storage.
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
The timing of this seizure coincided with a meeting between Trump and Venezuela’s opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, at the White House. While Trump has referred to her as a freedom fighter, he has declined to endorse her as a leader following Maduro’s removal, supporting instead Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president.
– The White House describes Rodríguez as an ally and highlights that she has not been charged with any crimes by US officials.
– Machado intends to persuade Trump that backing Rodríguez’s interim government is a misstep, advocating for her coalition to lead the transition.
Additionally, a Venezuelan government envoy is expected to visit Washington for discussions with US officials about reopening Venezuela’s embassy. The emissary is reportedly a close associate of interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who is said to be extremely cooperative.
Conclusion
The seizure of the sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker is part of a broader strategy by the US to tackle the illegal transport of Venezuelan oil. As political dynamics evolve, these actions signal a determined effort by the US to manage Venezuelan oil exports, aiming for a scenario that aligns with international law and US interests. As the situation develops, further cooperation between US officials and Venezuelan representatives could shape the future of both countries’ energy landscapes.