U.S. Seizes Second Oil Tanker Near Venezuela in Escalating Tensions

The United States has seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions in the region. This operation occurred in international waters, as part of a broader strategy to enforce a blockade against vessels carrying sanctioned oil to and from Venezuela. The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the area, following a recent announcement by President Donald Trump regarding the blockade.

According to three U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the U.S. Coast Guard is leading the operation. While the precise location of the seizure has not been disclosed, it follows the successful interdiction of a sanctioned oil tanker last week. The Coast Guard and the Pentagon have referred inquiries to the White House, which did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Venezuela’s oil ministry and state oil company, PDVSA, also did not provide immediate statements regarding the incident.

President Trump declared on December 19, 2023, “I am ordering a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into, and out of, Venezuela.” This announcement has led to a de facto embargo, with several vessels opting to remain in Venezuelan waters rather than risk seizure. Since the initial seizure, Venezuelan crude oil exports have plummeted sharply, impacting the country’s economy.

While many vessels involved in transporting oil from Venezuela are under sanctions, others, including those carrying oil from Iran and Russia, have not faced similar restrictions. Some companies, notably the U.S. firm Chevron, are still authorized to transport Venezuelan oil using their own vessels.

China remains the largest importer of Venezuelan crude, accounting for approximately 4% of its total imports. Analysts indicate that shipments in December are projected to average over 600,000 barrels per day. Currently, the oil market appears well-supplied, with millions of barrels waiting to offload off the coast of China. Should the U.S. embargo persist, the loss of nearly one million barrels of Venezuelan crude daily could potentially drive oil prices higher.

Since the imposition of energy sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, a “shadow fleet” of tankers has emerged. These vessels often disguise their locations and include ships that have been sanctioned for transporting oil from Iran or Russia. As of this week, more than 70 oil tankers considered part of this shadow fleet are in Venezuelan waters, with around 38 under U.S. Treasury sanctions, according to data from TankerTrackers.com. At least 15 of these vessels are currently loaded with crude oil and fuel.

President Trump’s strategy against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has involved not only military actions but also economic pressure. The U.S. military has conducted over two dozen strikes against vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, reportedly resulting in the deaths of at least 100 individuals. Trump has also suggested that land strikes on Venezuela may commence soon, adding further tension to the situation.

Maduro has accused the U.S. of attempting to overthrow his government and gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which hold the largest crude deposits in the world. As the U.S. continues to intensify its military and economic measures, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Venezuela remains fraught with uncertainty and conflict.