US Coast Guard Intensifies Blockade, Seizes Sanctioned Tankers Near Venezuela
The U.S. Coast Guard is actively seizing sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela, enforcing President Trump's blockade to combat sanctions evasion and narco terrorism, drawing strong condemnation.
SemaforUS intercepts second oil tanker off Venezuela, pursues a third
Chicago TribuneCoast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says
Epoch TimesUS Pursuing 3rd Vessel in International Waters Near Venezuela
BBC NewsUS reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela
Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing and seizing sanctioned oil tankers in international waters near Venezuela, enforcing President Trump's complete blockade to prevent sanctions evasion.
On December 10, the Coast Guard and Navy seized the sanctioned tanker "Skipper," linked to Iran, as part of ongoing efforts against illegal oil shipments.
These operations target vessels involved in illegal sanctions evasion and the funding of narco terrorism in the region, with support from the Department of Defense.
The recent seizure marks the third interception of a sanctioned vessel in less than two weeks in the Caribbean, with reports of one flying a false flag.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the U.S. actions as an act of piracy and a serious threat, with President Maduro accusing the U.S. of seeking to overthrow his government.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by consistently portraying Venezuela's actions as "illegal sanctions evasion" and "illicit," justifying aggressive US Coast Guard operations. They emphasize US official statements and threats, using loaded language like "narco terrorism" and "lifeblood of Maduro's regime" to underscore the necessity of US intervention, while presenting Venezuelan responses as defiant.
FAQ
The 'Skipper' is a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Iran, seized by the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy on December 10 in international waters near Venezuela for its involvement in illegal oil shipments evading sanctions.
President Trump's blockade is a complete enforcement action to prevent Venezuela from evading U.S. sanctions, targeting oil shipments that fund the regime and narco-terrorism activities.
Venezuela's government, led by President Maduro, condemned the seizures as 'piracy' and a threat to sovereignty, accusing the U.S. of attempting to overthrow his government.
This seizure of the 'Skipper' marks the third interception of a sanctioned vessel in less than two weeks in the Caribbean, with one reported to have flown a false flag.