U.S. Prepares to Seize More Oil Tankers Near Venezuela After First Ship Intercepted
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
Washington / Dec 11 (GeokHub) The United States is gearing up to intercept additional tankers transporting Venezuelan crude oil in international waters, following the recent seizure of one vessel off Venezuela’s coast. U.S. officials have drawn up a list of sanctioned ships that could face similar actions in the coming weeks as part of an expanded effort to enforce longstanding sanctions on Caracas.
The initial operation involved boarding and taking control of a large tanker accused of carrying Venezuelan oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. The move, which comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean, is intended to disrupt what Washington describes as illicit oil shipments that help finance the Venezuelan government and other sanctioned actors.
Shipping companies and maritime operators with vessels tied to Venezuelan crude trade now face increased uncertainty, with some suspending voyages in the region amid rising risks of interdiction. U.S. forces have been monitoring tanker movements near Venezuelan ports and are positioning to act when sanctioned vessels enter international waters.
Analysis / Impact:
This escalation marks a notable shift in how the United States is enforcing economic penalties against Venezuela’s leadership. By targeting the maritime transport of oil — the nation’s chief source of revenue — Washington is applying pressure on the cash-strapped government, intensifying diplomatic tensions with Caracas.
The threat of further seizures has rattled parts of the global shipping community, with some operators avoiding Venezuelan cargoes altogether. Reductions in tanker activity could limit Venezuela’s ability to export crude, hitting its economy harder and potentially affecting global oil markets given the country’s status as a major fuel producer.
