The United States has seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating enforcement of sanctions against Caracas, according to U.S. officials.
The vessel was intercepted in international waters and is suspected of transporting Venezuelan crude in violation of U.S. sanctions. Officials said the action follows a similar seizure earlier this month, reflecting a renewed focus on disrupting illicit oil exports that help fund the Venezuelan government.
U.S. authorities allege that the tankers used complex shipping routes, ship-to-ship transfers, and opaque ownership structures to evade detection. The seizures were carried out under existing sanctions and maritime enforcement authorities, officials added.
Venezuela’s government has condemned the move, calling it piracy and accusing Washington of abusing its power to exert economic pressure. Caracas maintains that its oil exports are legitimate and necessary to sustain its economy amid years of sanctions.
Analysts say the seizures highlight growing friction as the U.S. attempts to balance pressure on Venezuela with broader concerns over global energy markets. The country holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and disruptions to its exports can have ripple effects beyond the region.
The latest action underscores Washington’s message that sanctions will be actively enforced, even at sea, as diplomatic relations between the two countries remain strained.
