The US Coast Guard is in 'active pursuit' of another vessel in international waters near Venezuela, an official has reported, as tensions in the region continue to escalate. US authorities have already seized two oil tankers this month, including one on Saturday, which drew particular attention.
The latest pursuit relates to a 'sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion', according to a US official. The vessel is reportedly flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order.
Washington has accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug-related crime, a claim vehemently denied by Venezuelan officials, who have labeled the tanker seizures as 'theft and kidnapping'.
In a notable escalation, US President Donald Trump recently ordered a 'blockade' on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country. Venezuela, rich in oil but economically struggling, has rebuffed these sanctions, asserting they are an attempt to steal its resources.
Currently, more than 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or approaching the country are reportedly under US sanctions. The recent seizure of a Panamanian-flagged tanker, which was not on the Treasury's sanctions list but was carrying 'sanctioned PDVSA oil', has further inflamed tensions.
Venezuelan officials have promised that these actions 'will not go unpunished' and intend to file a complaint with the UN Security Council.
The US has also increased military presence in the Caribbean Sea over the past weeks. There have been deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, which reportedly resulted in around 100 deaths, although the US has not provided public evidence that these vessels were engaged in illegal activity. This military posture has raised concerns about the potential for clashes between US forces and Venezuelan authorities.
Venezuela, which relies heavily on oil exports, is adamant that it will not retreat in the face of these aggressions as it seeks to defend its sovereignty against what it perceives as US imperialism.
The latest pursuit relates to a 'sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion', according to a US official. The vessel is reportedly flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order.
Washington has accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug-related crime, a claim vehemently denied by Venezuelan officials, who have labeled the tanker seizures as 'theft and kidnapping'.
In a notable escalation, US President Donald Trump recently ordered a 'blockade' on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country. Venezuela, rich in oil but economically struggling, has rebuffed these sanctions, asserting they are an attempt to steal its resources.
Currently, more than 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or approaching the country are reportedly under US sanctions. The recent seizure of a Panamanian-flagged tanker, which was not on the Treasury's sanctions list but was carrying 'sanctioned PDVSA oil', has further inflamed tensions.
Venezuelan officials have promised that these actions 'will not go unpunished' and intend to file a complaint with the UN Security Council.
The US has also increased military presence in the Caribbean Sea over the past weeks. There have been deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, which reportedly resulted in around 100 deaths, although the US has not provided public evidence that these vessels were engaged in illegal activity. This military posture has raised concerns about the potential for clashes between US forces and Venezuelan authorities.
Venezuela, which relies heavily on oil exports, is adamant that it will not retreat in the face of these aggressions as it seeks to defend its sovereignty against what it perceives as US imperialism.
