U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Oil Tanker Amid Venezuela Tensions

Dec 22, 2025, 3:58 AM

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The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, as the Trump administration escalates its campaign against vessels associated with the Venezuelan government. This operation marks the second pursuit in a weekend and the third in less than a week, highlighting the administration's intensified focus on disrupting Venezuela's oil trade, which is seen as a means of funding the Maduro regime's activities.

A US official confirmed that the tanker involved is part of what is described as a "dark fleet" engaged in illegal sanctions evasion. The vessel is reportedly flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order. The Coast Guard's actions come on the heels of a pre-dawn operation on Saturday, where a Panama-flagged vessel named Centuries was seized. This vessel was characterized by White House officials as part of a shadow fleet trafficking stolen oil.

The Venezuelan government has condemned these actions, labeling them as acts of piracy and asserting that they will not go unpunished. They have vowed to pursue legal actions against the US in international forums, including the United Nations Security Council. President Trump has previously called for a "total and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, further escalating the situation.

The US military's involvement in these operations is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and other illegal activities linked to the Venezuelan government. The Trump administration has characterized its military actions as necessary to protect US interests, particularly in light of allegations that Venezuela is a significant source of narcotics entering the US.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the US commitment to stopping the illicit movement of sanctioned oil, stating, "We will find you, and we will stop you." This rhetoric aligns with the administration's ongoing military campaign against drug cartels, which has resulted in numerous strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs.

Critics of the administration's tactics argue that the military actions may lack clear legal authority and could lead to unintended consequences. Some lawmakers have expressed concerns that the use of military force against drug traffickers could escalate into broader conflicts, contrary to Trump's stated goal of avoiding unnecessary wars.

The situation remains fluid, with the US Coast Guard and Navy actively engaged in operations aimed at intercepting vessels linked to Venezuela's oil trade. The administration's aggressive stance reflects a long-standing rivalry with Maduro, who has been accused of human rights violations and corruption.

As tensions rise, the implications for US-Venezuela relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region are significant. The US has historically relied on sanctions and diplomatic pressure to influence Venezuela, but the recent military actions represent a marked shift in strategy.

In summary, the US Coast Guard's pursuit of another oil tanker near Venezuela underscores the escalating conflict between the US and the Maduro government. With military operations intensifying, the potential for further confrontations looms large, raising questions about the future of US foreign policy in Latin America.

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