Coast Guard Interdicts Oil Tanker
The U.S. Coast Guard seized an oil tanker in international waters of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela early Saturday, according to U.S. officials. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the operation, saying the vessel had last made port in Venezuela and was apprehended with support from the Department of Defense.
Crackdown on Sanctioned Oil
In a social media post, Noem said the United States is targeting the illicit transport of oil that officials say helps fund criminal and narco-terrorism activities in the region. She warned that U.S. authorities will continue efforts to stop such shipments.
Part of Broader Pressure Campaign
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tied the seizure to President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. Trump announced the policy earlier this month, describing it as a way to intensify pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Key Difference From Earlier Seizure
This marks the second tanker seized by the U.S. in the Caribbean this month. Unlike a vessel intercepted on Dec. 10, however, the tanker seized Saturday was not listed on sanctions maintained by the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, or United Nations, according to shipping data firm Kpler.
Venezuela Pushes Back
Maduro has rejected the U.S. actions, saying Venezuela will continue trading oil and accusing Trump of seeking regime change. He insisted the country will not submit to foreign control.
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