US Intensifies Pursuit of Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuelan Sanctions

Mon Dec 22 2025 09:16:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third oil tanker connected to Venezuela amidst escalating tensions and regional sanctions. This follows recent seizures of two vessels linked to the country's contentious oil exports.

The US Coast Guard is reportedly in 'active pursuit' of a third oil tanker associated with Venezuela, which is allegedly evading US sanctions. This action comes after two seizures earlier this month, provoking a sharp response from the Venezuelan government.

The US Coast Guard is in 'active pursuit' of another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, as tensions in the region escalate.

This follows the seizure of two oil tankers earlier this month, with the most recent taking place on Saturday. The latest pursuit is linked to a 'sanctioned dark fleet vessel' alleged to be part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion, according to a US official.

Venezuelan authorities have branded the tanker seizures as 'theft and kidnapping,' amidst accusations that the US is utilizing oil revenue to fund drug-related crime in the region.

US President Trump authorized a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, further heightening the conflict over Venezuela's substantial oil reserves, which the Venezuelan government claims is an attempt to seize its resources.

Recent data indicates that over 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters are under US sanctions. In the past week, the US heightened its military presence in the Caribbean and has conducted operations against alleged Venezuelan drug smugglers.

Venezuelan officials have promised to take action through the UN Security Council and other global organizations in response to these incidents, emphasizing their reliance on oil exports to fund government expenditures.

The pursuit of the latest tanker remains unconfirmed by US authorities, and its specific details have yet to be released. The potential implications of these actions continue to unfold as geopolitical tensions within the region intensify.