US Seizes Second Oil Tanker Off Venezuela’s Coast
The US has seized a second oil tanker that recently departed from Venezuela, as reported by the US Department of Homeland Security. This marks the second such seizure this month, reflecting escalating tensions in the region.
Details of the Seizure
– Timing and Context: This operation follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a “blockade” against sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
– Venezuelan Response: The Venezuelan government has condemned the US actions, labeling them as “theft and kidnapping.” Officials have previously accused the Trump administration of attempting to steal the nation’s resources.
– Official Remarks: A Venezuelan government statement promised that “these acts will not go unpunished,” and indicated plans to file complaints with the UN Security Council and other international agencies.
Operation Overview
– Execution: The seizure was executed by the US Coast Guard, similar to a previous operation earlier this month.
– Location: The ship was boarded while in international waters.
– Visual Documentation: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released a seven-minute video showcasing US helicopters landing on the tanker, identified as the Centuries. It’s a Panamanian-flagged vessel, with a history of operating under the flags of Greece and Liberia in the past five years, according to records reviewed by BBC Verify.
– Sanction Status: Notably, this tanker is not included on the US Treasury’s list of sanctioned vessels.
Broader Military Context
– Increase in Military Presence: In recent weeks, the US has ramped up its military operations in the Caribbean Sea, targeting alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats in strikes that have reportedly resulted in about 100 fatalities. However, the US has yet to provide public evidence linking these vessels to drug trafficking, raising concerns in Congress regarding military oversight.
Accusations and Allegations
– US Claims: The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a terrorist organization known as Cartel de los Soles, an allegation Maduro denies. President Trump claims that Maduro’s government is financing crime, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping through “stolen” oil.
Continued Operations
– Future Actions: Following the latest seizure, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth assured the US would persist in “unflinchingly conducting maritime interdiction operations to dismantle illicit criminal networks,” emphasizing a commitment to combat violence, drugs, and chaos in the Western Hemisphere.
Economic Implications for Venezuela
– Oil Dependency: Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, relies heavily on oil revenues to fund government expenditures. The recent blockade and military operations pose significant threats to this economic lifeline.
Previous Incidents
– Recent Seizures: This seizure occurred less than a week after the US captured another oil tanker believed to be part of a “ghost fleet” reportedly utilizing various methods to evade sanctions. The Venezuelan government described this earlier incident similarly, accusing the US of “kidnapping the crew” and “stealing” the ship.
Through these developments, the geopolitical situation surrounding Venezuela remains precarious, with ongoing tensions likely to compel further actions from both the US and Venezuelan authorities.