The US intercepts another tanker with Venezuelan oil, increasing pressure on Caracas
The United States has intercepted another tanker carrying Venezuelan oil off the country's coast, continuing its campaign of economic and military pressure on Caracas. The operation in international waters in the pre-dawn hours was carried out by the US Coast Guard with the support of the US military. This was reported by The Public with reference to CNN and Reuters.
According to The New York Times, the tanker detained by the US military off the coast of Venezuela was flying the Panamanian flag and did not belong to the «shadow fleet». It was a vessel carrying Venezuelan oil called Centuries. The vessel was not subject to US sanctions, and its cargo belonged to a Chinese oil trader that supplies crude oil from Venezuela to Chinese refineries. The crew did not resist the inspection. This is the second such incident in December.
Earlier, on 10 December, the US seized the Skipper tanker, which was under sanctions for its ties to Iran. This week, US President Donald Trump announced a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela's ports.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem said that Washington would continue to pursue illegal oil shipments, which the US side claims are used to finance drug trafficking and terrorism in the region.
In response, Caracas sharply criticised the US actions. Venezuelan authorities called the interception of the ship piracy and a violation of international law. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced her intention to appeal to the UN Security Council and other international organisations. The country's foreign minister said that Iran expressed full solidarity with Venezuela and readiness to cooperate.
The US pressure on Venezuela has increased dramatically in recent months. Thousands of US troops and an aircraft carrier strike group have been deployed to the Caribbean region. According to official figures, the US has destroyed 29 vessels believed to be drug traffickers, and 104 people have been killed in the strikes.
Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, but the industry is operating well below potential due to sanctions. Much of Venezuela's oil is exported to China. The only US company still operating in the country is Chevron, which operates under a special sanctions exemption.
