“U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Third Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker in Escalating Sanctions Crackdown”

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuela as part of a growing campaign to enforce sanctions and disrupt what Washington calls a sanctions-evasion “dark fleet.” U.S. officials say the vessel, reportedly a sanctioned ship flagged under a foreign registry and allegedly operating under a false flag, is being tracked in international waters off Venezuela’s coast. If seized, it would mark the third such interception attempt in less than two weeks. 

This operation follows the recent seizure of two other tankers — the Panama-flagged Centuries and the Skipper—which U.S. authorities say were linked to attempts to transport Venezuelan oil despite U.S. sanctions. The blockade and pursuit effort were ordered by President Donald Trump as part of an intensified pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

U.S. officials characterize the targeted vessels as part of a “dark fleet” used to evade sanctions and traffic crude oil covertly, sometimes manipulating tracking systems or flying false flags. In announcing the broader blockade, the White House described these actions as necessary to stem Venezuela’s oil revenues, which the U.S. says help sustain Maduro’s administration.

The situation has prompted sharp condemnation from Caracas, which has called the U.S. actions “piracy” and a violation of international maritime law. Critics argue the enforcement approach risks escalating tensions in the region and could have broader geopolitical consequences, including impacts on Venezuela’s already fragile economy and global oil markets. 

Analysts warn that while U.S. officials maintain the seizures won’t significantly affect domestic fuel prices, oil markets could respond to heightened geopolitical risks. Meanwhile, Venezuela has vowed to resist what it sees as economic warfare, heightening diplomatic strains between Washington and Caracas.