The United States has detained and is impounding a vessel off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, Reuters reported on Saturday, citing three US officials. The operation comes just days after President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
The officials, who requested anonymity, did not disclose the exact location of the operation, but confirmed that the US Coast Guard was leading the interdiction. It is the second recent seizure of a tanker near Venezuela as part of escalating US pressure on Caracas.
Trump ordered the blockade
“I am ordering a TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKS bound for and from Venezuela,” Trump said on Dec. 16, signaling a tightening of sanctions and military measures targeting Venezuelan oil exports.
Impact on Venezuelan oil exports
Venezuela’s oil exports plummeted after the first seizure of the tanker last week. Many vessels that pick up Venezuelan oil are subject to US sanctions, while some unsanctioned tankers, including those operated by US companies such as Chevron, continue to transport the country’s oil.
China remains the biggest buyer, accounting for about 4% of its oil imports, with December deliveries estimated at more than 600,000 barrels per day.
Maduro condemns US pressure
Maduro has accused Washington of trying to overthrow him and seize control of the country’s oil reserves, which are among the world’s largest.
Venezuela
