US Coast Guard Pursuing Another Oil Tanker Near Venezuela as Tensions Escalate

In a dramatic continuation of maritime operations in the Caribbean Sea, the **U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing another oil tanker off the coast of #Venezuela, as part of an intensified campaign by the U.S. to enforce sanctions and disrupt illicit oil shipments linked to the Venezuelan government. U.S. officials confirmed the move on Sunday, signaling a significant escalation in an already tense standoff at sea.

This latest pursuit comes just days after the U.S. seized two other sanctioned tankers near Venezuelan waters in December 2025, marking a pattern of increasingly assertive actions against what Washington describes as a “dark fleet” — a network of vessels operating in defiance of sanctions to transport Venezuelan oil. euronews

A Vessel Marked for Seizure Under Sanctions Enforcement

According to a U.S. official familiar with the operation, the tanker now being chased was identified as part of Venezuela’s sanctions-evasion network. The vessel was reported to be flying a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order — meaning U.S. authorities believe it is unlawfully assisting in the transport of oil that violates American sanctions.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the operation is ongoing, stated that this effort represents the second such pursuit over the weekend and the third attempt in less than two weeks to intercept sanctioned tankers in the region. Previous actions included the seizure of the Panama-flagged Centuries and the earlier capture of the tanker Skipper, both described by U.S. authorities as part of the shadow fleet engaged in moving oil around sanctions.

Part of a Broader Blockade Strategy

The Coast Guard’s pursuit reflects the Trump administration’s broader strategy aimed at enforcing sanctions more aggressively and putting pressure on the Venezuelan government. In recent weeks, President Donald Trump announced what he called a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers traveling into and out of Venezuela, tying these maritime operations to larger diplomatic and economic goals.

Venezuelan authorities, led by President Nicolás Maduro, have condemned the U.S. interdictions as acts of piracy and violations of international law, intensifying rhetoric around sovereignty and economic pressure. Maduro’s government has vowed to continue exporting oil despite the U.S. actions, even as oil markets watch nervously for potential disruptions.

What This Means for Regional Tensions

This unfolding maritime pursuit highlights how geopolitical disputes can play out far from traditional battlegrounds — on open seas and in international waters. For the U.S., targeting oil tankers linked to Venezuela’s sanctioned networks is part of a strategy to cut off a vital source of revenue for a government it considers destabilizing. For Venezuela, these moves are seen as direct provocations that could harm its fragile economy and escalate diplomatic conflict.

The pursuit of the tanker underscores the high stakes involved as both sides navigate enforcement, international law, and broader regional implications.

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Disclaimer:

This article is based on initial reports and official statements available at the time of writing. The situation is evolving, and further developments may emerge as authorities continue the operation. The content is intended for informational purposes only.