The United States Coast Guard has seized a vessel off the coast of Venezuela as part of an ongoing effort to intensify pressure on the Venezuelan government. This operation, conducted in international waters, marks the second known seizure in two weeks, according to a source familiar with the matter. The US military assisted in the operation, which underscores the escalating tension between Washington and Caracas.
On December 10, 2023, the US had already confiscated a large oil tanker named the Skipper, which was under sanctions due to its connections with Iran. Following this incident, President Donald Trump reaffirmed the US commitment to intercepting vessels transporting Venezuelan oil. Earlier this week, he announced a “blockade” aimed at sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, further highlighting the administration’s strategic focus on the country’s oil industry.
While it remains unclear if the latest seized vessel was subject to sanctions, the operation aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to disrupt Venezuela’s economic lifeline. The US has intensified its campaign against the Venezuelan government, which has faced crippling sanctions on its oil sector since earlier this year.
Escalating Tensions Between the US and Venezuela
The US military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops and a carrier strike group as part of its strategic initiatives. This includes operations targeting suspected drug trafficking boats, which the administration claims are linked to Venezuelan networks. Reports indicate that US military actions have resulted in the deaths of 104 individuals and the destruction of 29 alleged drug boats. These efforts have been portrayed as part of a crackdown on illegal activities emanating from Venezuela, but they have also fueled speculation about an underlying goal of ousting President Nicolás Maduro.
The blockade announced by Trump emphasizes the administration’s intention to control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world. Currently, the oil sector operates below capacity due to sanctions, with much of the production being sold to China. The state-owned company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), maintains control over the industry, while Chevron remains the only US company permitted to operate in Venezuela under a special sanctions exemption.
Venezuela’s Response to US Actions
In response to the US blockade, the Venezuelan government has denounced the actions as a “reckless and serious threat” to its sovereignty. Officials have vowed to defend their national interests against what they perceive as aggressive foreign intervention. The intensifying measures by the US, including military threats and vessel seizures, reflect a significant shift in American policy towards Venezuela and a commitment to applying sustained pressure on the Maduro regime.
As the situation develops, the global community watches closely, given the potential implications for regional stability and international relations. The US’s strategic maneuvers in the Caribbean signal a willingness to escalate its efforts to reshape the political landscape in Venezuela, which continues to grapple with a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by economic sanctions.
