The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, indicating an escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts against vessels linked to the Venezuelan government. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ongoing pursuit of the tanker, described as a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” involved in Venezuela’s illicit sanctions evasion activities. This operation follows the recent seizure of another tanker by the administration.
The seized tanker, named Centuries and flying a Panama flag, was targeted for being part of the Venezuelan shadow fleet engaged in trafficking stolen oil, according to the White House. Additionally, the coast guard, with support from the U.S. navy, captured another sanctioned tanker named Skipper on December 10, which was part of the shadow fleet transporting sanctioned cargo under questionable legality.
President Trump announced plans for a “blockade” of Venezuela after the first seizure, underscoring the administration’s increasingly confrontational stance towards President Maduro’s government. Trump’s actions are partly motivated by disputes over lost U.S. investments in Venezuela, as well as allegations of drug trafficking. Amid escalating tensions, some sanctioned tankers are diverting their routes away from Venezuela to avoid potential repercussions.
The targeting of tankers is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration, which has also directed the U.S. Defense Department to conduct operations against vessels smuggling illegal drugs into the United States. These operations have faced criticism for their lethality and lack of concrete evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug smuggling activities. Trump’s aggressive approach towards Maduro has drawn concern from lawmakers and human rights advocates, who question the legality and effectiveness of these military actions.
In response to Trump’s military pressure on Maduro, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine raised objections, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before engaging in military actions against Venezuela. Kaine advocated for alternative measures such as sanctions to address the humanitarian and economic crises in Venezuela without resorting to military intervention.