The US has imposed fresh sanctions on six more ships said to be carrying Venezuelan oil, a day after seizing a tanker off the country's coast.
Sanctions have also been placed on some of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's relatives and businesses associated with what Washington calls his illegitimate regime.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the seized vessel, called the Skipper, had been involved in 'illicit oil shipping' and would be taken to an American port.
Caracas has described it as an act of 'international piracy'.
This marks a sharp escalation in the US pressure campaign against Maduro, which has reportedly caused dozens of fatalities in strikes on boats alleged to have been involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela. Recently, American warships have increased their presence in the region.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of funneling narcotics into the US, while the Venezuelan government has accused Washington of attempting to steal its resources. Maduro staunchly declared on Wednesday that Venezuela would not become an 'oil colony'.
Leavitt reiterated the US commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs and enforcing sanctions.
While she did not confirm plans for further seizures of Venezuelan oil-conveying vessels, she emphasized, 'We're not going to stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil, the proceeds of which will fuel narco-terrorism...'
Following the necessary legal process, the US plans to seize the oil on board the Skipper.
Leavitt also mentioned Trump's indifference to reports of Russian President Vladimir Putin reaching out to Maduro for support against US pressure.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that imposing sanctions on Maduro's relatives and associated businesses aims to undermine his 'dictatorial' control.
On Wednesday, the White House released dramatic footage capturing the seizure operation, featuring military personnel descending onto the Skipper from helicopters.
Maduro condemned the US actions, claiming they 'kidnapped the crew' and 'stole' the ship, marking the start of a new era of 'criminal naval piracy.'
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello denounced the US as 'murderers, thieves, pirates,' stating that such actions invoke a pattern of aggression that leads to wars globally.
Previously sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 for alleged involvement in oil smuggling that reportedly funded groups like Hezbollah, the Skipper was previously identified as a target for intervention.
The US military buildup in the Caribbean, poised recently with thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, underscores the heightened tensions surrounding Venezuela.
