The US intercepted and confiscated a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
US forces have intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker in waters off Venezuela. The White House and Venezuelan authorities have not commented. This was reported by The Public https://thepublic.info/ according to Bloomberg sources.
Analysts note that the detention of the vessel could significantly complicate Venezuelan oil exports. Most shipments go to China through intermediaries at large discounts due to the risk of sanctions. After the incident, other carriers may refuse to transport cargo.
The Donald Trump administration has stepped up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro in recent months, accusing him of creating a drug cartel. The Pentagon has carried out more than 20 strikes on ships believed to be involved in drug trafficking in areas near Venezuela and Colombia, killing more than 80 people. Trump has repeatedly warned that ‘Maduro's days are numbered.’
In Caracas, the US actions are seen as an attempt to seize Venezuelan oil resources. The news of the tanker's capture coincided with the day when Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Amid growing tensions, Maduro called on the population to mobilise and strengthened the military presence on the border with Colombia, on the coast and on the island. The state-owned company PDVSA controls the oil industry and works with international partners, including Chevron, which has a US licence and is not subject to sanctions.
