US officials have revealed that the Coast Guard is tracking an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. This marks the third tanker interception by the US in the past two weeks.
Foreign news agencies reported that on Sunday (21 Dec), the US Coast Guard was tracking an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. This is the third sanctioned vessel interception in less than a week as the US government steps up pressure on Venezuela.
A US official stated that the Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker linked to evading Venezuelan sanctions. The vessel is part of what is called the “Dark Fleet” and is accused of flying a false flag to evade asset seizure orders.
Another official noted that no boarding has taken place yet, suggesting the interception might involve close monitoring or aerial surveillance rather than immediate seizure.
Both officials did not name the oil tanker or disclose its exact location. The White House has also not issued any immediate comment.
This pursuit follows President Donald Trump’s announcement last week to “blockade” all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, as part of a strategy to pressure President Nicolás Maduro. This includes increasing US military presence in the region and targeting vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council at the White House, told television that the first two tankers seized in recent days operated in the black market, supplying oil to countries under sanctions.
Hassett also sought to ease concerns over possible impacts on US oil prices, stating the seizures involved only a small number of vessels.
However, some analysts warn that the recent actions could cause a slight rise in oil prices when Asian markets open Monday, as traders assess the increased risk of Venezuelan export disruptions. Other analysts view the seizures as escalating geopolitical tensions.
Analysts added that while tightened logistics might force sanctioned crude to be sold at deeper discounts, these confrontations underscore growing uncertainty in the global oil market as Washington intensifies enforcement of its sanctions.
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Source:cna