The United States has seized another vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, according to three U.S. officials. This action marks the second such interdiction in recent weeks and directly enforces President Donald Trump's declaration of a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the South American nation.
Enforcing the Blockade
The operation, confirmed on Saturday, is part of a significant U.S. military build-up in the Caribbean region. Officials speaking anonymously stated that the U.S. Coast Guard is leading the mission, though the precise location was not disclosed. The White House, Pentagon, and Coast Guard have not provided immediate comment, nor have Venezuela's oil ministry or its state oil company, PDVSA.
President Trump's dramatic announcement came on Tuesday, ordering the blockade of sanctioned tankers. Since the first seizure last week, an effective embargo has taken hold. Loaded vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil are now remaining in Venezuelan waters to avoid capture, causing the country's crude exports to plummet sharply.
Impact on Global Oil and the 'Shadow Fleet'
The U.S. campaign is disrupting global oil trade, particularly affecting China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude. Analysts note December shipments were on track to average over 600,000 barrels per day, accounting for roughly 4% of China's imports. While the current market remains well-supplied, a prolonged loss of nearly a million barrels per day could push global oil prices higher.
Since U.S. energy sanctions were imposed on Venezuela in 2019, a complex "shadow fleet" or "dark fleet" of tankers has emerged. These vessels, often disguising their locations or already sanctioned for transporting Iranian or Russian oil, are used to move Venezuelan crude. Data from TankerTrackers.com indicates that, as of this week, more than 70 such tankers are in Venezuelan waters, with around 38 under U.S. Treasury sanctions. At least 15 of those are loaded with crude and fuel.
Military Buildup and Rising Tensions
Trump's pressure campaign against the government of President Nicolás Maduro extends beyond maritime seizures. It includes a ramped-up military presence and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, which have resulted in at least 100 fatalities. Trump has also suggested that U.S. land strikes on Venezuela could commence soon.
President Maduro alleges that the U.S. military escalation is a direct attempt to overthrow his government and gain control of Venezuela's vast oil resources, which constitute the world's largest proven crude reserves. The situation creates a volatile flashpoint with implications for global energy security and regional stability.
