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U.S. forces on Saturday seized a second vessel off Venezuela’s coast in international waters, with the Coast Guard leading the action and the U.S. military assisting. The interdiction follows President Trump’s announcement of a “blockade” aimed at oil tankers that are under U.S. sanctions as part of increased pressure on Venezuela’s government. The New York Times reported separately that the Coast Guard also boarded a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil that was flying a Panamanian flag and was not on a U.S. sanctions list, underscoring stepped-up activity in the waters off Venezuela.
![The Coast Guard has been more active in the waters off Venezuela as President Trump has increased his pressure on the country.](https://kagiproxy.com/img/mlgLHuZO42ID6Rkap1pBoFadZJE8ttmvpJ6mDNSIrnWu8OPKkGcmq29QhGyI909H9O4cmeVH51pgZojJ_CQisQigfD68M_XGr6u2nDNeYNYplrhM37nJMoVgbIdNFN8qCTMewDeaCEtHrmWL8RC7ic5SOvQenGZuvXvyZQaPHKp...</div><div class="hidden" id="preview-full"><p>U.S. forces on Saturday seized a second vessel off Venezuela’s coast in international waters, with the Coast Guard leading the action and the U.S. military assisting. The interdiction follows President Trump’s announcement of a “blockade” aimed at oil tankers that are under U.S. sanctions as part of increased pressure on Venezuela’s government. The New York Times reported separately that the Coast Guard also boarded a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil that was flying a Panamanian flag and was not on a U.S. sanctions list, underscoring stepped-up activity in the waters off Venezuela.</p><img src=)
Highlights:
- Officials’ secrecy: Two U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing operation publicly.
- Earlier seizure: The latest stop comes after a Dec. 10 U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.
- DHS role: The Department of Homeland Security Secretary was cited by The Hill in describing the Coast Guard-led seizure and broader pressure campaign on Venezuela’s leadership.
- Military build-up: CBS News said the interdictions are taking place amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
- Flag details: The tanker boarded by the Coast Guard carried a Panamanian flag, according to The New York Times.
Perspectives:
- Trump administration: President Trump announced a “blockade” focused on sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela as part of increased pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. (Chicago Tribune (AP))
- U.S. officials (anonymous): U.S. officials described an ongoing maritime operation off Venezuela but declined to be named because they lacked authorization to speak publicly. (Chicago Tribune (AP))
- New York Times reporting: The Coast Guard’s activity has included boarding a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil that was not listed among U.S.-sanctioned tankers. (The New York Times)
Sources:
- U.S. Coast Guard Boards Tanker Carrying Venezuelan Oil - nytimes.com
- US forces stop a second merchant vessel off the coast of Venezuela, American officials say - chicagotribune.com
- U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela - cbsnews.com
- US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela's coast as Trump ups pressure on Maduro - thehill.com