The United States is actively pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela in international waters, a US official said, as tensions between Washington and Caracas continue to intensify.
A US official told said that the vessel is a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion,” adding that it is “flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.” US authorities have not formally confirmed the pursuit, and the tanker’s name and exact location remain undisclosed.
The development follows the seizure of two oil tankers earlier this month, including one intercepted on Saturday in international waters by a specialised US tactical boarding team. That vessel, flying a Panamanian flag, was not listed on the US Treasury’s sanctions register, but Washington said it was transporting “sanctioned PDVSA oil.” Shipping records reviewed by BBC Verify show the tanker previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags.
Venezuela has condemned the seizures, describing them as “theft and kidnapping,” and warned that the actions would not go unpunished. The government said it plans to lodge formal complaints with the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral bodies.
US President Donald Trump last week ordered what he described as a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, accusing Caracas of using oil revenues to finance drug-related crime. Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has rejected the claims and accused the Trump administration of attempting to steal its resources.
Data compiled by TankerTrackers.com shows that more than 30 of the 80 vessels operating in or approaching Venezuelan waters were under US sanctions as of last week. Oil exports remain critical to Venezuela’s economy and government financing.
In recent weeks, the United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and carried out strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, operations that reportedly killed around 100 people. Washington has also imposed sanctions on relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and businesses linked to what it describes as his illegitimate government.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the current situation with the Venezuelan leadership was “intolerable for the United States,” adding that the Trump administration was determined to change the dynamic. Venezuela’s foreign minister criticised the remarks, accusing Rubio of pushing the US toward a policy of “regime change.”
The US military has faced growing scrutiny from Congress over the strikes, with no public evidence released to support claims that the targeted vessels were carrying drugs. President Maduro has denied US allegations that he leads the Cartel de los Soles, which Washington has designated a terrorist organisation.
Erizia Rubyjeana
About the Author
