The United States has recently intensified its efforts to combat the illicit movement of sanctioned oil by seizing a second vessel in international waters. This announcement comes just days after President Trump declared a blockade on all oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuela. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, shared a video of the operation on social media platform X, showcasing helicopters surrounding the vessel during the dramatic seizure.
In a pre-dawn operation on December 20, the U.S. Coast Guard, supported by the Department of War, apprehended an oil tanker that had last docked in Venezuela. Noem emphasized the seriousness of this action in her post, stating, “The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco-terrorism in the region. We will find you, and we will stop you.” She also expressed gratitude to the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of War for their efforts.
This incident marks the second time in recent weeks that the U.S. has interdicted a tanker, coinciding with a significant military buildup in Latin America. While it remains unclear if the second vessel is also an oil tanker, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News that the seizure followed a similar strategy as the previous action against a vessel near Venezuela. This suggests that these operations are part of a broader, sustained enforcement campaign against sanctioned oil transport.
The recent operation was predominantly led by the U.S. Coast Guard, with boarding conducted by a specialized tactical team. Multiple federal entities, including the U.S. Navy, collaborated in this effort. However, the U.S. Coast Guard has refrained from commenting directly to CBS News, instead deferring to the White House for further information.
On Tuesday, President Trump called for a total and complete blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuela, as part of the ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In response, the Maduro government condemned last week's vessel seizure as an act of piracy and robbery. Venezuela criticized the blockade as a grotesque threat and a violation of international law, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to appropriate the country’s oil, land, and minerals through extensive campaigns of lies and manipulation.
As the situation develops, the U.S. remains committed to enforcing its policies regarding sanctioned oil and addressing the challenges posed by narco-terrorism in the region. The international community watches closely as tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela continue to escalate.